George Barker's passion for forestry is deeply rooted in family tradition. Following in the footsteps of his father, a first-generation forester, Barker found his calling after two years of post-college exploration. "I love being outside, the forest, nature, and what led me into consulting was I like helping people," he shared. Initially working as an industry forester for a paper company, his desire to assist landowners and manage their properties led him to pursue a career in consulting.

Barker spent five and a half years with a paper company, including time in the Panhandle working for St. Joe Paper Company. Inspired by a colleague from Montgomery, he made the move to Alabama and established his own forestry consulting business. Now based in Tallassee, he serves clients across a wide geographic range, from northeast Mississippi to Savannah, Georgia.

His commitment to forestry extends beyond just managing timber. George thrives on educating landowners about sustainable practices and the diverse beauty of hardwood forests, which he prefers over the monotonous pine plantations of Florida. With a career spanning 35 years, he has witnessed multiple cycles of clear-cutting and replanting, forming long-lasting relationships with clients. Reflecting on his journey, Barker said, "It's amazing, really. You never think you'll be doing it that long, but it has been about 35 years now." (August 2024)