Shane Bass
Shane Bass
Co-Owner | Mill Operations Manager
Shane is one of the co-owners of Russell Bass & Sons Lumber, where he serves as Mill Operations Manager. Having grown up working in the mill, Shane brings a lifetime of hands-on experience and a deep-rooted passion for the industry. After graduating high school, he proudly served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning home to continue building the business alongside his brother, Todd.
Shane oversees the day-to-day operations of the lumber mill, managing everything from buying logs from local loggers to selling the sawn green lumber. He also handles the buying and selling of hardwood logs for export and serves as one of the company’s primary log graders. Shane works closely with customers, helping to ensure they get the products and service they need, and he’s involved in nearly every aspect of the business. His hands-on leadership and strong relationships across the industry help keep things running smoothly.
Shane and his wife Lynn have four children and love spending time with their seven grandchildren. Family plays a big role in both his life and the company. His oldest son, Matt, is one of the company’s trusted logging subcontractors. His son Ryan is a dedicated school teacher and a state champion baseball coach. His daughter Caitlyn occasionally helps out with bundling firewood, and his youngest son, Evan, serves as the company’s Firewood Operations Manager—a key part of the team.
Shane is proud of his faith and strives to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose in both his work and personal life. When he’s not at the mill, Shane enjoys hunting, traveling, and making memories with his family.
Todd Bass
Todd Bass
Co-Owner | Logging & Forestry Operations Manager
Todd is one of the co-owners of Russell Bass & Sons Lumber, where he plays a hands-on role in managing the company’s logging and forestry operations. He grew up in the family business and came on full-time right after high school, choosing to continue the legacy instead of heading off to college. While he occasionally still hops in a truck when needed, most of his time is spent overseeing day-to-day operations out in the woods.
Todd especially enjoys working closely with landowners on the timber jobs the company harvests. He’s responsible for finding and bidding on timber, as well as doing the forester work—evaluating lots, planning jobs, and ensuring proper clean-up is done afterward. He takes pride in securing timber well in advance so the business always has a strong lineup of future work. Among the two brothers, Todd also handles more of the financial responsibilities of the company.
Outside of work, Todd loves spending time with his family and kids, watching Syracuse football and basketball, traveling, and trying all kinds of food. He’s a proud dad of three adult children: Taylor, who is married and runs a horse business upstate; Lane, who works alongside him in the woods; and Noah, his youngest, a high school athlete who keeps the whole family busy cheering from the sidelines. Todd and his wife Kerrie, a retired school teacher, are looking forward to becoming first-time grandparents next year. Guided by a strong faith in God, Todd brings his values into every part of his life—both on and off the job.
Evan Bass
Evan Bass
Firewood Operations Manager | Loader Operator | Truck Driver
Evan is also a skilled operator—he’s the fastest we’ve got when it comes to loading logs into export containers. Even the truck drivers request him! With his CDL, he’s able to jump in and drive our log trucks when needed, always ready to lend a hand wherever it’s needed.
As one of the owner’s sons, Evan is preparing to carry the company into the next generation alongside his cousin Lane. He’s a natural leader with a talent for customer service and a knack for making a good deal.
Evan married his high school sweetheart, Kaci, and together they’re raising two young kids—with a third on the way. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him hunting (he always makes sure the freezer’s full of venison) or spending time with his family. Evan is hardworking, down-to-earth, and truly dedicated to both his family and the future of our business.
Lane Bass
Lane Bass
Logging Foreman | TLC Certified |Equipment Operator | Truck Driver
Lane has been part of our team for most of his life, starting out as a teenager and coming on full time after graduating high school 8 years ago. As one of the owner’s sons, Lane is following in his father’s footsteps, learning the ins and outs of the logging side of the business. Over the past eight years, Lane has grown into a strong and steady presence in the woods, recently stepping up into a leadership role as a Logging Foreman. He leads with a friendly, down-to-earth approach and is well-liked by the crew.
Lane is Trainer Logger Certified and keeps current on all his Game of Logging safety courses. He’s a versatile team member — not only working in the woods, but also helping out in the mill yard, operating the loader, and even jumping in the log truck when needed, thanks to his CDL.
Outside of work, Lane is all about the outdoors. He’s an avid deer hunter, dirt bike racer (he’s even traveled for hare scrambles), and enjoys golfing with his friends and his new wife. Lane recently got married and is excited to welcome his first child soon. Like his dad, he loves to travel — though his dog might say otherwise, since she always ends up at Grandma’s when he’s away.
Lane’s commitment to the team, his growing leadership, and his passion for the industry make him a key part of our future — alongside his cousin Evan, he’ll help carry the company forward for the next generation.
John Bolster
John Bolster
Lumber Piler
Johnny has been part of the Bass Lumber team for 16 years. He’s our most experienced lumber piler—and the best piler we have. Over the years, he’s helped train many new employees in the role. When needed, Johnny steps in as a trimmer operator and he also builds pallets. He’s a versatile team member who’s always ready to lend a hand wherever he’s needed.
Johnny’s commitment to get to and from work stands out—there have been days when he’s walked to work just to make sure he didn’t miss his shift. He works alongside his two brothers, continuing a long Bolster family tradition here at the mill. When he’s not at work, Johnny enjoys fishing, playing cornhole, and spending time with his five kids.
Randy “Hank” Bolster
Randy “Hank” Bolster
Lumber Piler
Hank has been with us for 7 years, working hard as a lumber piler in the mill. When he’s off the clock, he likes to hit the trails on his ATV. He’s not the only Bolster on the team—both of his brothers work here too!
Gabe Ewain
Gabe Ewain
Truck Driver | Loader Operator
Gabe’s been part of our team for two years now, and we honestly don’t know what we’d do without him. He’s a skilled driver behind the wheel of our Kenworth log truck and just as solid when hauling lumber, firewood, or bark in the Peterbilt. Versatile doesn’t even begin to cover it—Gabe jumps in wherever he’s needed, whether that’s loading export logs into containers, running the loader in the log yard, or lending a hand in the mill yard.
As a local, Gabe knows the roads and the community. He’s dependable, friendly, and always ready to help—with a clean shirt on, of course. When he’s off the clock, you’ll probably find him at his hunting camp, out on his snowmobile or ATV, or helping a buddy with a project. We’re lucky to have him on the team.
Adam Forrester
Adam Forrester
Lumber Grader
Adam has been with us for over 10 years, working as our Lumber Grader in the sawmill. With a deep appreciation for wood and craftsmanship, Adam’s passion for wood extends beyond the mill—he also runs his own woodworking business.
When he’s not grading lumber, he’s building everything from custom furniture to cutting boards—often using the same hardwood we mill here. His handiwork can be seen right here in our office, he handcrafted the countertop and desks in our new location. Adam’s a local, and with a last name like Forrester, he was pretty much destined to work with wood. His wife, Michelle, is our Office Manager, making the Forresters an integral part of our company family.
Michelle Forrester
Michelle Forrester
Office Manager
Michelle has been keeping our office running like a well-oiled machine for the past 16 years. From handling export logs and wrangling paperwork to making sure both customers and coworkers have what they need, she’s the go-to person who keeps things on track. Her attention to detail, reliability, and deep knowledge of the business make her an essential part of our team—and someone we truly rely on every day.
Michelle first started working with our family during her high school and college years, and after graduating, we were lucky enough to bring her on full-time. You could say sawdust is in her blood—her grandfather was a head sawyer in a sawmill for his entire career, and now Michelle proudly carries on that legacy with us.
Outside of work, Michelle is known for her love of baking (we never say no when she brings in treats), her obsession with candles, and her countdown to fall—which usually starts sometime around June.
Roy Gummoe Sr.
Roy Gummoe Sr.
Log Truck Driver
Roy has been driving log trucks for us for over 8 years and is one of the most dependable guys on the team. He knows how to put a full load on a truck and get the job done without a fuss. Even though he’s old enough to retire, Roy’s still out here working hard every day—and we’re sure glad he is. His experience and steady presence make him a big part of what keeps things rolling around here.
James Hesse
James Hesse
Woods Equipment Operator | TLC Certified
For the past 3 years, Jimmy has worked as an equipment operator on our woods crew. He’s Trained Logger Certified and brings many years of hands-on experience in the woods. Jimmy is especially skilled when it comes to job site clean-up—something we get frequent compliments on from landowners. He communicates well with landowners and takes pride in representing our company out in the field. He also runs and maintains our equipment with a high level of care and respect, and his mechanical know-how comes in handy when something needs a quick fix. Known affectionately around the company for his frequent “Huh?”, Jimmy keeps things light on the job while always getting it done right. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family and hunting in the fall.
Jeff May
Jeff May
Logging Equipment Operator
Jeff has been with us for 14 years and brings a lot of experience to the job site. He works out in the woods operating logging equipment and is Trained Logger Certified. Over the years, he’s become reliable and steady in the work he does, from handling equipment to helping with clean-up after a job is finished.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren—family is a big part of his life, and he makes the most of his time with them whenever he can.
Scott Jenson
Scott Jenson
Loader Operator
Scott’s been with us for almost a year and has quickly become a great part of the team. He keeps things moving in the mill yard—feeding logs into the sawmill and helping load containers for export. When there’s time, you’ll often find him pitching in to tag logs too. Always up for whatever’s needed and never one to complain, Scott brings a steady, reliable presence to the yard.
When he’s not working, he’s likely out on the golf course or gearing up for hunting season. He’s also a proud Philadelphia Eagles fan—so don’t be surprised if he’s wearing green come football season.
Eugene Stewart
Eugene Stewart
Edger Operator
Eugene has been with us for the past two years. Before joining us in Cadosia, he worked as a resaw operator at our old mill in Fishs Eddy. When he’s not working, Eugene’s all about his family — he’s got five grown kids and family means everything to him.
Willie “Buzzy” Walker
Willie “Buzzy” Walker
Woods Equipment Operator | Hand Feller | TLC Certified
Buzzy has been part of our crew for 7 years and is a key member of our woods logging team. He runs our logging equipment, is a skilled hand feller, and holds a Trained Logger Certification. Originally from Hancock—our hometown too—Buzzy brings a strong work ethic and steady presence to the job every day. Outside of work, Buzzy is big into men’s softball and even travel for tournaments. He’s a proud husband and father of four, and when he’s not in the woods or on the field, he’s usually spending time with his family.
Bryan Walters
Bryan Walters
Log Scaler | Safety Coordinator | Truck Driver
Bryan joined our team nearly a year ago and has quickly become a valuable asset to our operation. As our Log Scaler, he plays a key role in measuring and grading logs to ensure quality and accuracy in every load. He also plays a vital role as our Safety Coordinator, helping to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. Whether he’s in the log yard or behind the wheel, Bryan brings reliability and a strong work ethic to every part of the job. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys and getting outdoors with his family. He’s always up for a camping trip or hitting the trails on his snowmobile— just don’t expect him to stick around if there’s a snake nearby!
Edward Werner
Edward Werner
Head Sawyer | Edger Operator | Resaw Operator | Saw Sharpener
Edward has been part of our team for over 12 years. He’s a head sawyer and edger operator, but his versatility doesn’t stop there—he’s skilled in saw sharpening, operating the resaw, and even jumping on the loader when needed. Always ready to pitch in, Edward plays a key role in keeping the mill running smoothly, especially when it comes to hands-on repairs. Hailing from nearby Fishs Eddy, Edward is a proud family man whose time outside of work is devoted entirely to his loved ones. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him out canoeing or playing a friendly game of cornhole. Known for his impressive mustache and even better attitude, Edward embodies the work ethic and community spirit that keep our mill strong.
Noah Bass
Noah Bass
Loader Operator | Truck Driver
Noah is one of the newest additions to the Russell Bass & Sons Lumber team but he’s certainly no stranger to the family business. As the youngest son of co-owner Todd Bass, Noah grew up around the sawmill, logging equipment, and trucks. After graduating from high school in June 2026, we’re excited to finally have him joining us as the next generation continues to become more involved in the company.
Noah currently works primarily in the sawmill yard, where he operates the loader and helps keep logs and materials moving. He is also earning his CDL license and is gaining experience behind the wheel of our trucks as he works toward his full CDL. This fall, Noah will continue building his knowledge of the lumber industry at Northcentral Technical College in Wisconsin, taking Wood Industry courses focused on sawmill operations, lumber grading, and the skills he can bring back home to the family business.
As the fifth generation of the Bass family, Noah is helping carry on a legacy that means a great deal to all of us. Alongside his older brother Lane and cousin Evan, he represents an exciting part of the future of Russell Bass & Sons Lumber. We’re proud to see another generation taking an interest in the industry and look forward to watching Noah learn, grow, and find his place within the company.
Outside of work, Noah enjoys hunting, motocross, sports, and spending time with his family. Whether he’s behind the wheel, running equipment, or learning something new, Noah brings a lot of enthusiasm to the team and we’re excited to officially have him here.
Russell Bass
Our Founding Roots
Though officially retired, Russell Bass is still very much the heart of our company. After many years at the helm, Russell passed the family business on to his sons, Todd and Shane—but don’t let the word “retired” fool you. When he’s home, Russell stops by the mill almost every day, always ready with advice, a story, or a new joke picked up on his travels.
A natural salesman with deep roots in the lumber industry, Russell built countless lasting relationships and earned a reputation for fairness, integrity, and knowing the logging business inside and out. He always made sure employees felt valued, and that tradition continues today.
Outside the mill, Russell keeps plenty busy. He still runs a golf course, cabin rental business, and a local gas station. When he’s not working, he’s golfing, cruising rivers with his wife and friends, or vacationing in The Villages, Florida or the Bahamas. Family is at the center of it all—he’s a proud dad of three, and a grandpa and great-grandpa many times over.
Russell represents the third generation to lead our company, and his work ethic and values continue to guide us every day. We’re proud to carry on the legacy he built.