We recently spoke with Max about his role managing client relationships and supply chain assessments across the Americas. Based in Juneau, Alaska, Max supports clients through complex and shifting trade environments while helping strengthen responsible forest-product supply chains. In this interview, he shares insights into his day-to-day work, the challenges clients are facing and what continues to motivate him at DoubleHelix.
Q: Where are you currently based, and how long have you been with DoubleHelix?
I’m currently based in Juneau, Alaska, and I’ve been with DoubleHelix for 11 years.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your role – what does managing both client relationships and supply chain assessments across the Americas involve?
My role involves managing existing clients – understanding their businesses, identifying their challenges, and looking for ways we can improve the services we provide. I also work to grow the amount of work we do with them and build a strong pipeline of new business across different sectors, not just our traditional market of timber importers. I oversee all the work connected to my client base – from scoping and proposing to budgeting, managing execution and delivering the final outputs. I also manage contractors who perform onsite work around the world. A big part of my role is staying informed about the issues that impact both our current clients and potential market segments. I spend time developing relationships with industry partners – both established and emerging, including tech partners – and I serve on the International Wood Products Association (IWPA) education and CITES committees.
Q: What are some of the unique challenges or opportunities when working across such a diverse region?
There’s always something new to learn. Even after 11 years, I often find myself as the “new person in the room” when it comes to our clients’ deep expertise in their specific product and supply chain. Every new country, product, or industry offers the opportunity to learn, presents new challenges, and requires creative solutions. The US is a volatile place to do business for importers right now, especially in our segment. Everyone is constantly adapting to new challenges that seem to shift under your feet – but that also presents opportunities for us to step in and provide real support. Working across multiple countries and product types means having to build up at least some level of expertise in every niche. Learning the complexities of a country’s forest management system or forest product sector is always a challenge – but it’s also endlessly interesting.
Q: What kinds of supply chains are you most often working on?
We’re still pretty focused on wood products in the US – including plywood, solid wood, some composites and furniture. Our work with major US retailers has expanded that to include a wider range of wood-derived products and components: tools, paper, home goods, fans, doors. Beyond that, we also work in the biomass sector in Colombia, and we’re involved in coffee supply chains across Central and South America.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
The work is never the same. There’s always a new problem, a new perspective, or a new way to improve. I get to meet really interesting people – true experts in their area, with a wealth of information and experience to share. And of course, the team at DoubleHelix. We have great people who all care deeply about the work and the core value of making an impact for forests.
Q: What do you think clients in the Americas are most concerned about right now when it comes to responsible sourcing? Do you notice any key differences between North and South America in this regard?
Trade policy is obviously top of mind for everyone in the US right now. Uprooting trade relationships that have been built over decades – with people you trust – and trying to fill those gaps in a constantly shifting policy environment is a massive challenge. All the work that goes into building trust with a supplier has to be done again, quickly and effectively. It’s a huge challenge, and also a great opportunity for our services to provide real value. More and more, retailers are waking up to their responsibilities. Policies are no longer just something on paper – they now require process and action. When I think about North and South America, I mostly see them in terms of the buy side (north) and the supply side (south), so the issues in the north directly impact suppliers in the south.
Q: What impact do you hope to have in your role as you continue to grow DoubleHelix’s work across the Americas?
The hope has always been to support responsibly sourced products and their sellers in the market – to increase their market share, and to help consumers understand the role of responsibly sourced forest products in keeping forests standing and thriving. I hope I can help DoubleHelix be seen as the leader in our field, and help lead us toward achieving our growth targets and continuing to move forward.
Q: What helps you stay motivated and focused – especially working across different time zones?
Being part of an organisation that genuinely lets you contribute to improving how we operate is a huge motivator. Our leadership has always been open to change from anywhere in the business, which promotes creative thinking and makes the hard stuff more fun. And of course, my co-workers are incredibly hardworking – they deserve the same from me.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work – any hobbies or things you love about life in Alaska?
I moved to Alaska to be closer to backcountry skiing and snowboarding, backpacking, biking of all types, canoeing, kayaking, and trail running. It’s one of the most beautiful and wild places on earth. I also love to travel – both across this incredible state and abroad – and I’m a big fan of live music, reading, and cooking.