On the afternoon of Saturday, September 28, 2024, Hickman Lumber in Scrubgrass Township faced a significant challenge when a fire broke out in the main sawmill along Route 208. With no employees on site at the time, there were no injuries, but the fire resulted in the loss of the main saw and an edger, key pieces of equipment for the mill’s operations.

For owner Denny Hickman, the fire was an all-too-familiar scenario. In the 1980s, two devastating fires destroyed the original mill, which had been built in the 1930s. This recent fire, while not as catastrophic, was still a major setback. Denny and his family were in State College when his son, Jake, received a notification that the mill’s heat alarms were going off. Thanks to a swift response from local fire departments, who had also received the alert, the fire was extinguished within an hour.

For a small business like Hickman Lumber, an event like this could be devastating. At the time of the fire, the company employed 26 people in the mill. While some jobs were lost, the majority of employees were redirected to other areas of the business, demonstrating the company’s ability to adapt and prioritize its workforce.

The resilience of the Hickman family and their business is further evident in the support they’ve received from the community. Friend and neighboring lumber company owner Wayne Hepler stepped in to assist by cutting logs for Hickman Lumber, ensuring that operations could continue in some capacity while rebuilding efforts began.

Navigating the aftermath of such an event is not without its challenges. Denny has expressed frustration with the complexities of the insurance process—a necessary but often cumbersome aspect of recovery. However, he remains focused on the future. As Hickman Lumber rebuilds and replaces equipment, they are taking the opportunity to upgrade technology and implement measures that will minimize future risks.

The story of Hickman Lumber is one of perseverance and community support. It serves as a testament to the importance of resilience in business—being prepared for setbacks, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and leaning on a strong network of industry peers and local support. Through careful planning and an unwavering commitment to their craft, the Hickmans are once again proving that a strong foundation—both in business and in spirit—can weather any storm.

As rebuilding efforts continue, Hickman Lumber’s journey serves as a valuable lesson for businesses of all sizes: resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges, but about using them as opportunities to grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared for the future.

Learn more about the Hickmans and their family of businesses at their website: hickmanwoods.com.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s March 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.