Root River Hardwoods: A Story of Shared Vision, Family Values & a Transatlantic Leap

How Two Entrepreneurs from the UK Bought a Legendary American Sawmill—and Found a Second Home in the Process

When we first set out on this journey, we had no map. Just a feeling.

We knew we were going to build something big, energising and impactful. But we had no idea what it would look like, where it would take us, or who we'd meet along the way. It started with a simple idea: find a great business, treat it well, and make it even better.

We thought we’d begin small, maybe a plumbing company in the UK with a couple of vans. A solid place to start. Then we dabbled in the idea of acquiring a sports travel agency. Full of promise, but a little too small… and too replaceable by AI in the near future.

We were looking for something different—something AI couldn’t replace. Something physical. Tangible. Rooted in community, family, and craft. We wanted a business that mattered deeply to the people who built it, and would continue to matter to the people we’d serve.

We didn’t expect that search to take us all the way to Preston, Minnesota.

From Boots to Boards: Our First Visit to Root River Hardwoods

After scouring over 500 opportunities on BizBuySell, we landed on a handful that caught our eye. Two made the final cut, one near the Mexican border, the other nestled deep in rural Minnesota. So we flew out to meet the people behind the businesses.

We pulled into the Root River Hardwoods sawmill in a tiny hire car, a white Volvo and wearing brand new white sneakers. Standing by their towering pickup trucks, the owners raised an eyebrow and laughed, “We hope you brought boots.”

It was the perfect welcome.

Over the course of the day, we fell in love, not just with the business, but with the people, the purpose, and the place. We were taught how to hug trees to see if they were ready for harvesting. We learned to grade and scale logs, to read the story hidden inside a tree. We watched raw timber become beautiful, usable, meaningful products.

There was no waste. Every part of the tree had a purpose - sawdust for bedding, bark for landscaping, offcuts for firewood. The operation was efficient, elegant, and ethical. It was family. It was legacy. And it was undeniably beautiful.

We had to find a way to buy this business.

The Deal: Built on Trust, Not Just Numbers

Root River wasn’t just any company. It was 50 years old. Family-owned. Deeply respected. The kind of place where people don’t just work but where they belong.

Andy, Brett, Jeff, and Mike, the owners, had been approached by buyers for years. Offers came and went. But none of them felt right. Until we showed up.

“It wasn’t big corporations grilling numbers—it was people excited about our industry and the possibilities within.” – Brett

We didn’t come with a big pitch deck or a pile of assumptions. We came to learn. To listen. To understand. And most importantly, to honour the legacy that had already been built.

“They approached the business, our team, and our culture with the utmost respect—listening carefully and asking thoughtful questions…” – Andy

We faced every challenge imaginable. No US entity. No lawyers. No accountants. No bank accounts. We even used the wrong words (apparently "P&L" doesn’t translate in Minnesota).

But we pushed through. Because it mattered.

We found an incredible CEO in Jon Summers - someone who passed what we call “The BBQ Test.” If you’d be happy to hang out at a BBQ with someone, they’re probably the kind of person you want running your business.

Post-Close: A New Chapter Begins

In January 2025, we signed the paperwork, handed the keys to Jon, and flew back to the UK, equal parts exhilarated and terrified.

Ten weeks later, at the time of writing this? The place is buzzing.

We’ve kept the whole team. We meet weekly with leadership on Zoom (the highlight of our week). Jon calls us daily from his truck as he drives across the Midwest, solving problems and telling stories.

Some of the team don’t use computers or email. That’s fine. They’re world-class craftspeople, and we wouldn’t change a thing. What we’ve done is introduce new systems that enhance, without replacing, the magic.

New branding. A fresh website. CRM. SEO. All the tools to help the world discover what Root River has quietly been doing for decades.

We’ve mapped out a 90-day plan to beging down the parth double revenue and more than double profits. But the most important thing?

We’ve kept the soul of the business intact.

“They actively want to learn the business and are excited about it. They are very understanding and patient… and they value everyone’s input.” – Jon Eickhoff, Accountant

The Legacy Lives On

Andy and Brett are still with us and helping guide the next chapter. Jeff and Mike are enjoying a well-earned semi-retirement. The team is thriving. And Root River is growing in the right way.

We’ve taken a group of separate units and helped them operate as one team, moving forward together. The business feels alive. Respected. Rejuvenated.

“Fresh insight and fresh eyes have already helped in many areas company-wide… I feel our employees will now have a longer and more prosperous future ahead.” – Brett

We didn’t just buy a business. We became stewards of a legacy.

What Next for Vast?

Root River Hardwoods is the first of many. Our goal isn’t to create an empire. It’s to build a group of brilliant businesses that matter. Businesses with history, values, and heart.

We’re continuing our search for other wood products companies across the Midwest. We’ve found our niche. Who knew?

We still don’t have all the answers. But we’re having fun, we’re making a difference, and we’re doing it with people we love working with.

And that, to us, is the dream.