Red Emmerson
Archie Aldis "Red" Emmerson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Grand Ronde, Oregon, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Years active | 1948–present |
| Known for | Founder of Sierra Pacific Industries; largest private landowner in the United States |
Archie Aldis "Red" Emmerson (born 1929) established Sierra Pacific Industries, a leading lumber product company with operations spanning California, Oregon, and Washington. According to the 2021 Land Report 100, Emmerson and his family are the largest private landowners in the United States, holding 2.33 million acres. Their estimated net worth reached $5.4 billion as of March 2024.
Early life
Emmerson was born in Grand Ronde, Oregon in 1929 and experienced a humble upbringing. His father, R.H. "Curly" Emmerson, was involved in constructing sawmills throughout Oregon and California.
Career
At 19, in 1948, Emmerson started working at mills located in Arcata, California, where he acquired comprehensive knowledge of mill operations. The following year, he joined forces with his father to launch a lumber enterprise that expanded across the Northwestern United States. Under his guidance, the business transformed into Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI), which ranks as the second-largest lumber manufacturer nationwide.
The Emmerson family continues to hold the distinction of being the foremost private landowners in America.
Philanthropy
The Sierra Pacific Foundation, founded by Red's father in 1979 and consistently supported by Red himself, has contributed millions toward community initiatives, youth programs, and scholarships within SPI’s operational areas.
Political activity
Emmerson made a $45,000 donation to Donald Trump's presidential campaign during the 2020 election cycle.
Personal life
He is a father of three and resides in Redding, California. His sons George and Mark occupy the roles of president and chairman at SPI, respectively, while his daughter Carolyn manages the Sierra Pacific Foundation. His wife Ida, to whom he was married for four decades, died from breast cancer in 1996.
Recognition
- Recipient of the American Academy of Achievement’s Golden Plate Award in 1998
- Inducted into the New California Hall of Fame in 2008
- Named Person of the Year by Timber Processing magazine in 2019
- Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Coast Lumber & Building Material Association (WCLBMA) in 2019