Celebrating Excellence: 2024 Outstanding Forestry Contractor of the Year – Enterprise JBC Inc., Jimmy Caron
Each year, the Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF) proudly presents the Outstanding Forestry Contractor of the Year Award to recognize the critical role contractors play in advancing safe, efficient, and sustainable forest operations. This prestigious award highlights exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in the field—qualities that strengthen the entire forestry sector across Atlantic Canada.
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 recipient of this award: Enterprise JBC Inc. – Jimmy Caron of Saint-Jacques, New Brunswick, nominated by Acadian Timber.
A Lifetime Rooted in Forestry
Forestry runs deep in Jimmy Caron’s veins. Growing up in a contractor family in Northern New Brunswick, his journey began early—doing chainsaw maintenance “as a kid.” That early exposure grew into a lifelong commitment to the woods. In 2000, he started as a machine operator, and just two years later, launched his own slashing operation.
Over the years, Jimmy has expanded his expertise across multiple facets of harvesting, from first thinnings to hardwood operations. In 2018, he returned to large wheeled harvesters, bringing with him decades of hands-on knowledge and leadership. Since 2020, he’s been a valued contractor with Acadian Timber, operating primarily in the Plaster Rock region.
A Strong and Safe Operation
Enterprise JBC Inc. currently runs two Ponsse Scorpion harvesters (a 2018 and a 2023 model), alongside a 2024 Ponsse Buffalo King 15-tonne forwarder, all operating on a two-shift schedule. The operation harvests on both crown and freehold lands, with a 90% focus on clearcut and 10% commercial thinning.
Jimmy’s team is built for efficiency and care. Half the crew commutes daily from Edmundston—travel time paid—while the rest are based locally. Trucks are replaced every three years, ensuring safety and reliability.
Safety is Jimmy’s top priority. With zero recordable safety incidents, he supplies all safety gear and winter clothing to his crew. He’s on site daily, managing operations, supporting maintenance, and operating the older Scorpion during the day shift. Shift changes are a well-coordinated effort, with all hands contributing to critical machine maintenance.
Innovation, Leadership, and Legacy
Jimmy’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of his business. His well-stocked on-site parts supply, along with a dedicated maintenance garage in St. Anne de Madawaska (purchased in 2022), ensures downtime is minimized. A former contractor, the previous garage owner, now supports the operation by managing bar and chain maintenance.
Training is conducted in-house, with Jimmy sharing his knowledge and coaching new operators. He’s already planning for the future—with a succession plan in the works—and is actively exploring technology and productivity tools to boost performance and profitability.
What sets Jimmy apart isn’t just his skill or work ethic—it’s his passion. When asked about his work, he simply said, “I love my job.” That love shines through in everything he does and sets a powerful example for others in the industry.
Congratulations!
The Canadian Woodlands Forum is proud to honour Enterprise JBC Inc. and Jimmy Caron with the 2024 Outstanding Forestry Contractor of the Year Award. His dedication to quality, safety, innovation, and people embodies the spirit of forestry excellence in Canada.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jimmy and his team, and thank Acadian Timber for the nomination.
Ox Resources Ltd. – Kody Messenger (Lanesville, NS)
Nominated by BioBurn Pros Inc.
Include photos from OX Resources
Kody Messenger brings a unique and entrepreneurial perspective to forestry. His journey began far from the woods, working as an underwater welder and later building extensive expertise in occupational health and safety across Atlantic Canada. When Hurricane Fiona created an urgent demand for arborist services, Kody’s skill set and adaptability opened the door to harvesting—first manually and now through carefully scaled mechanized operations.
Kody’s approach is intentionally small and nimble, allowing him to serve private woodlot owners with minimal environmental impact while maintaining efficiency. He is actively involved in innovative trials with the Family Forest Network, exploring variable retention harvesting, and is working with BioBurn Pros Inc. to address unmarketable wood through on-site biochar production. Though relatively new to forestry, Kody’s combination of technical knowledge, environmental awareness, and entrepreneurial spirit is carving out a valuable niche in small-scale, private land harvesting.
Stephane Fortin Inc. – Stephane Fortin (St. Quentin, NB)
Nominated by J.D. Irving, Limited
Forestry runs deep in Stephane Fortin’s roots. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Stephane built his career from the ground up—progressing from equipment operator to business owner. Since partnering with J.D. Irving, Limited in 2014, his operation has become a model of productivity, safety, and workforce support.
Stephane’s commitment to his employees is evident in every aspect of his business, from comprehensive health coverage and shared bonuses to hands-on involvement in daily operations. His safety record is exemplary, with no lost-time accidents since 2014, and his openness to innovation has driven remarkable gains in production. Supported by advanced technology and a culture of continuous improvement, Stephane is widely regarded as a trusted and forward-thinking contractor whose passion for forestry is unmistakable.
RES Sustainable Forestry – Ralph Stewart (Antigonish, NS)
Nominated by Wagner Forest NS, Ltd.
Ralph Stewart’s career spans more than four decades and reflects a deep respect for the forest and those who work in it. From early days helping on the family farm to formal training at the Maritime Forest Ranger School, Ralph has built a career grounded in silviculture, forest management, and responsible harvesting.
Since founding RES Sustainable Forestry in 2015, Ralph has operated with a clear guiding principle: leave the forest better than you found it. His operation is known for exceptional wood utilization, strong safety performance, and a people-first approach. A consistent presence on site, Ralph leads by example, fostering a positive work environment and championing operator training and professional recognition. His long-standing commitment to sustainability and sector leadership continues to have a lasting impact on forestry in Nova Scotia.
J & S Lumber Ltd. – Jimmy Ferguson (Rexton, NB)
Nominated by Preston Coughlan
With more than 55 years in forestry, Jimmy Ferguson represents a lifetime of dedication to the industry. Starting with a chainsaw on the family farm, Jimmy steadily built J & S Lumber into a diversified “stump-to-dump” operation, later expanding into trucking and construction while maintaining a strong forestry foundation.
J & S Lumber is known for its integrated operations, strong safety culture, and commitment to training the next generation of forestry professionals. Jimmy has long supported young workers, guiding them from high school placements through formal training and into full-time careers. Today, the company is proudly multi-generational, with family members contributing across forestry, manufacturing, and construction. Jimmy’s legacy is one of mentorship, adaptability, and enduring respect for the forest sector.
Recognizing Leadership in the Woods
The 2024 Contractor of the Year nominees highlight the diversity, resilience, and innovation that define forestry in Atlantic Canada. Whether new to the industry or carrying decades of experience, each nominee demonstrates leadership through safety, stewardship, workforce development, and a willingness to adapt to a changing sector. The Canadian Woodlands Forum extends sincere appreciation and congratulations to all nominees for their outstanding contributions and for setting a high standard for excellence in forestry.