Josh Dean, Area Manager in Warren, Pennsylvania, started his career in 2003. He has an Associate in Science degree from Penn State University in Forest Technology.
Why did you pursue a career in forestry? I pursued a career in forestry for many reasons. Since childhood, I have spent much of my life hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania and many surrounding areas. My father is a very passionate outdoorsman and had me in the woods a lot as a child. Being in the woods just feels like home to me. During my senior year in high school, I had a forestry class that I really enjoyed, and it sparked an interest. At the same time, one of my best friends was attending Penn State Mont Alto’s forestry school, following in his father’s footsteps of becoming a Forester. Conversations with him led me to researching and visiting the Penn State Mont Alto campus and ultimately attending it for my degree. My area of Pennsylvania is known for some of the most diverse and high-quality timber in the country and the world. All these reasons and the vast amount of timberland resources in my region influenced me to pursue a career in forestry.
What do you like about your role with AFM? The thing I like the most about my Area Manager position is that it’s a new area for AFM business. I’m excited to be the first one in the area and really look forward to expanding the company’s footprint here. There is no shortage of things to do with the new land base that’s located here. I have past experience with the land and hope it’s beneficial to AFM and the customer as we move forward. Everyone I’ve met and been in contact with at AFM has been so welcoming and helpful. I’m really looking forward to the future.