No. 15 Hamer Family
600,000 acres
Since the early 1900s, five generations of Hamers have worked in the forests of West Virginia, growing trees, harvesting timber, and running sawmills and hardwood pellet plants. In 1957, James P. Hamer was recognized as West Virginia’s Conservationist of the Year. In 1999, son Jim C. Hamer was honored by industry peers as Man of the Year for “his commitment to employees, philanthropy, and leadership in the timber industry.” Today, fifth-generation member Stephen Hamer works with his father, Steve, and other relatives to continue the family’s tradition of producing the finest Appalachian hardwoods.