Archives 2025

The Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team recently got a firsthand look at the hardwood industry’s inner workings. On September 4, 2025, they visited Barefoot Brand Hardwood Flooring Plant, courtesy of the Hardwood Development Council, to learn about the vital opportunities and challenges facing this sector.

During the tour, the officers witnessed the full transformation of hardwood lumber into finished flooring, gaining valuable insight into the manufacturing process. The visit also highlighted the importance of sustainable forestry practices, a core focus for the industry.

The tour also provided a look at a unique use for wood waste. The officers watched the production of Sunfire Heating Blocks, which are 100% compressed sawdust blocks used for home heating and cooking. Each officer even got to take one home with them! To learn more about Sunfire Heating Blocks, please visit their website at https://sunfireblocks.com/.

This valuable educational experience was made possible by the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation, the FFA State Officer Team, the Hardwood Development Council, Darrel Showers, Mike Brammer, and Rachel Newberry.

PAFFA #PAFFAFoundation #FutureOfAg #PAWorkingForestsWork #FFA

This Labor Day, we’re taking a moment to express our sincere gratitude to our incredible team. Your hard work, dedication, and passion are the foundation of everything we do. Thank you for your commitment day in and day out.

We will be closed on Monday, September 1st, so you can enjoy a well-deserved long weekend. We hope you have a safe and restful holiday!

Barefoot Flooring is thrilled to celebrate Tyler Hallock’s 7th anniversary as a dedicated and hardworking Laborer! Tyler’s kindness and commitment have made him a valued member of our team. Want to see what a day in the life of a Barefoot Flooring Laborer looks like? Check out Tyler’s YouTube video!

Thank you, Tyler, for your incredible work and dedication over the past seven years!

Be sure to follow us on social media!
https://www.facebook.com/BarefootBrandFlooring/

Today, we’re celebrating a very special milestone: Donald Preston Jr.’s 11th work anniversary with Barefoot Flooring!

As a dedicated Machine Operator and Forklift Driver, Donald’s hard work and commitment have been a vital part of our team’s success. His reliability and skill have helped us maintain the high standards our customers have come to expect.

We want to extend our sincerest thanks to Donald for his incredible service over the past 11 years. We’re proud to have him as part of the Barefoot Flooring family.

Please follow us on our social media channels to stay up to date with the latest news from the flooring plant!
https://www.facebook.com/BarefootBrandFlooring/
https://www.youtube.com/@CummingsLumberCoInc

Today, we’re celebrating a truly remarkable milestone: Scott Cummings is marking his 32nd year with Cummings Lumber Company! As the founder’s great-grandson, Scott has continued a proud family tradition of excellence, taking the helm as President in 2014.

Under Scott’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive, upholding the undying commitment to provide customers with Cummings Lumber quality service and a quality product – a tradition that has spanned four generations.

Scott’s dedication was never more evident than in June 2024, when our mill faced a devastating fire. Through that incredibly challenging time, Scott’s unwavering direction and leadership were instrumental in guiding us through. We, the employees, want to express our deepest gratitude to Scott for getting us through that difficult period and leading the charge in rebuilding.

You can see the incredible journey of recovery, from the fire itself to the remarkable progress over the past year, in this video:

Thank you, Scott, for your incredible dedication, leadership, and for continuing the legacy of quality that defines Cummings Lumber Company!

Today, we’re giving a huge shout-out to David Spencer, who is celebrating his 7th anniversary as a Laborer at Barefoot Flooring!

David’s dedication and hard work are invaluable to our team. He consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. His commitment plays a vital role in delivering the quality products our customers love.

We are incredibly grateful for David’s seven years of dedicated service. Thank you, David, for everything you do!

This week, we want to give a huge shout-out to our fantastic truck driver, Ryan Vargson, who successfully delivered a full load of Barefoot Brand Hardwood Flooring to A Plus Flooring in Hyannis, Massachusetts!

Ryan’s dedication ensures our clients get their products on time and in perfect condition, and this delivery was no exception. We’re proud to have him on our team, helping bring beautiful Barefoot Brand Hardwood Flooring to homes and businesses.

Great job, Ryan!

Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July filled with celebration and good times. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served and are currently serving in the military. Your dedication and sacrifice ensure the freedoms we celebrate.

We’ll be back in the office, bright and early on Monday, July 7th.
Cummings Lumber Company
Barefoot Brand Flooring
Barefoot Pellet Company

On Wednesday, June 25th—exactly one year after the fire that forever changed our lives—Mill employees came together to honor President Scott Cummings with a meaningful, handcrafted plaque.

Speaking on behalf of everyone, Supervisor Keith Wagner shared our deep appreciation for all Scott has done to keep as many of us working as possible during the aftermath. While many business leaders might have turned to outside contractors, Scott chose differently—he put his trust in us. He kept our team busy with the cleanup and rebuilding efforts, and the results speak for themselves. The mill looks better than ever.

In the process, we’ve not only restored what was lost but also made real improvements—upgrading equipment and enhancing operations. Now, one year later, we’re proud to say we’re nearly back to full capacity.

Pictured is the beautifully crafted plaque designed by Keith Wagner and Head Sawyer Angela Hall on behalf of all mill employees.

Thank you for everything, Scott. We’re proud to work under your leadership!

Be sure to watch the “CLC RISING FROM THE ASHES” video on YouTube.

One Year Later
On June 25, 2024, Cummings Lumber faced a devastating loss. A fire tore through the sawmill, destroying the north end of the building. Fourteen fire companies responded heroically to keep the blaze from spreading. But by morning, the full weight of the damage became heartbreakingly clear. A year later, the cause of the fire remains unknown. What is clear, however, is that despite losing part of a building that housed 95 years of history, the Cummings family remains firmly rooted. They’re not going anywhere.
For the family and employees, the loss was personal. The sawmill wasn’t just a workplace—it was where many spent their adult lives, where memories were built in every beam and board.
Small businesses like ours often face enormous hurdles when disaster strikes. Between payroll, taxes, and the sudden loss of revenue and inventory, being shuttered for a year can be financially devastating. But even in the face of adversity, we’ve fought to keep going—and now, we’re ready to fully resume production.
As with many hardships, this tragedy brought with it an unexpected gift: overwhelming community support. We were embraced by friends, neighbors, and colleagues with a level of generosity we’ll never forget. Still, some losses leave marks that time and money cannot heal. Yet our spirit remained unshaken. Instead of mourning what was gone, we chose to look ahead—boldly and with determination.
Now, thanks to everyone’s efforts, we’re ready to begin the next chapter in the story of Cummings Lumber.
By: Norm Steffy

Be sure to check out the Photo/Video slideshow on YouTube