After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Binnie Nash, Trailer Shop Manager at Sonny Merryman, is hanging up his hat and stepping into a well-earned retirement. Since joining the company in 1996, Binnie has been a driving force behind the success of the trailer shop, leaving an enduring legacy defined by his craftsmanship, leadership, and commitment to excellence. His impact reaches far beyond the workplace, touching the lives of his colleagues, customers, and community alike.
Sawdust in the Veins: A Passion for Lumber
Growing up in his family’s sawmill business, Nash Timber, Binnie’s love for the lumber industry runs deep in his roots. His first piece of logging equipment – a little red wagon – was a Christmas gift from his grandfather, Hunter Nash. “In the springtime, I would take both ends off [that wagon] and roll it down to the sawmill and load up salvaged wooden standards to bring home. I was ‘hauling logs’ and in heaven,” recalled Binnie.
At the age of 13, Binnie secured his first official job in the sawmill working eight-hour days for $5. At just 17, Binnie’s father cosigned a $6,500 note for him to purchase his first skidder, A John Deere 440A. While he may have been young, Binnie had already learned a fundamental rule of business, the value of hard work. “I worked after school and on Saturdays to make that skidder payment,” said Binnie. Those early years taught Binnie the value of hard work and set the stage for the successful career that would follow.
A Well-Known Name in the Lumber Community
Upon graduating high school in 1976, Binnie invested in his business, hiring team members and purchasing more equipment. He worked the business for six years, earning a respected name within the lumber community for his dedication and expertise. In the early 80s, Binnie pivoted to a different facet of the lumber industry, joining his family’s wood treatment plant for several years.
In 1996, Binnie joined the Sonny Merryman company as trailer shop manager. In this role, he oversaw the shop team and operations. Known for his technical expertise and steady leadership, Binnie became a trusted figure in the trailer shop and beyond. Well versed in the industry and with an extensive network of contacts, Binnie expanded his role in 2016 to include selling trailers, primarily forestry trailers such as chip vans and flatbeds.
“Everyone knows Binnie in this industry. More than that, everyone has immense respect and admiration for his knowledge and service to not just his customers, but also the community,” said Joe Helms, Sonny Merryman Vice President of Trailers.
A Legacy of Service and Mentorship
Binnie’s reputation in the logging industry is matched only by the legacy of service he has built in his community In the early 90s, Binnie founded a ministry group of more than 20 men dedicated to serving their neighbors through practical acts of kindness. “We have done a variety of projects – cutting grass, trimming shrubs, building woodsheds, cleaning gutters, moving furniture, and countless other tasks. There are men in the group who started with us when they were just boys,” said Binnie.
Through his mentorship and leadership, the group has flourished, continuing to make a meaningful impact for over 30 years. In the past five years, the group has averaged donating 140 pickup loads of firewood to people in need within the community. “We could not do this without the help of local loggers, sawmills, and farmers giving us the long wood for us to process into firewood. We are very grateful for the support of many members of our church, Kedron Baptist in Gladys that have helped us buy the equipment,” said Binnie. This spirit of service mirrored his approach in the workplace, where he was known for guiding and uplifting others.
Words to Live By
Not many can say they stumbled onto the path that would be the story of their career as just a young child, but for Binnie, the love of the lumber industry has stayed with him through the decades. “I still love the smell of that fresh sawdust coming out of that sharp Stihl,” he shared with a smile. Thinking back on his career, Binnie recalls a piece of advice his grandfather gave him that has guided him through life: “Love the Lord, work hard, and treat people honestly.” His career is a testament to those values, which have shaped his life and left a lasting impression on those around him.
“Binnie’s 30-year career with Sonny Merryman can easily be characterized as one of integrity, hard work, service to others, and humility. His unwavering leadership in our trailer division and his ability to build lasting relationships with customers and team members have left an enduring legacy,” said Caley Edgerly, President & CEO of Sonny Merryman.
Binnie, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication. The entire Sonny Merryman team wishes you all the best in your next chapter. We hope your retirement is filled with the joys you’ve cherished—like the scent of fresh sawdust and the satisfaction of a job well done.
