Joshua K. Harrell has over 18 years of experience in forestland/natural resources management and currently serves as Regional Investment Forester managing properties in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana for Forest Investment Associates (FIA).  Joshua started at FIA in 2006, and he is the Secretary of FIA’s Investment Committee.  In addition, Joshua serves as the company representative on the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) Operating Committee.

Previous Experience

Before his current role, Joshua served as Portfolio & Research Analyst at FIA for two years.  Prior to FIA, Joshua worked as Programs Coordinator at Forest Landowners Association where he worked within the sphere of government affairs and advocacy.  He has also worked at F&W Forestry Services as a staff forester, Timber Mart-South as a reporter/market analyst and he interned at Weyerhaeuser.

What is your business philosophy?

The “Ziglar Way” – Conducting business and forming relationships through the philosophy of Zig Ziglar is integral for success, with an emphasis on honesty, integrity, hard work and virtue.

Why did you choose this field / career path?

There has always existed a deep passion for the wonders of the natural world.  Growing up in suburban Virginia Beach, I first began my career in the forestry industry a little naïve about what I was getting into.  It didn’t take long to learn that nature was actually quite brutish, yet it is still the most rewarding career around.  Foresters are a special breed of people, an independent-minded sort with a deep pride for their chosen profession.  We manage the resources that provide society with a myriad of jobs, timber and forest products, wildlife habitat, clean water, clean air, escape. Throughout the history of mankind, there have been stone ages, bronze ages, iron ages and computer ages. There has never existed a wood age because everything we obtain from the forest is inherent to our very existence, then and always.

What is one of the best lessons you’ve learned during your career?

Perhaps the moral of the story is to avoid an inflated sense of worth through extensive degrees or accolades.  Many doors become open through achievement, but one must be willing to take detours for true success in life. We all must pay our dues before appreciating what professionalism really means. Work ethic, relationships, involvement and persistence is everything.