Kevin Kanduch - Presidents Message

Greetings from Austria! I’m writing this update while on an international trip with fellow REAL Montana alumni. We haven’t seen any timber projects yet, but we’ve been immersed in a completely different culture — one with thousands of years of history. It’s both humbling and inspiring to experience, and it’s been good to step away from the day-to-day grind and gain some perspective.

REAL Montana Alumni in Austria.

Industry Update

Things feel a little shaky right now. Uncertainty seems to be dominating the market, and it’s something we’re all feeling, from mills to contractors to landowners. The good news is that everyone seems to be weathering the storm well and holding strong. I remain optimistic that things are going to improve. Everything feels primed and ready, we just need that first domino of positive change to fall. MLA will continue to push for policies and projects that keep wood moving, keep people working, and keep Montana’s logging sector resilient.

What We’re Up To at KLM

At KLM, excavation is still going strong with some fun projects, including roads, a bridge, a pond, and numerous foundations and septic systems. The logging side is getting close to winding down in Idaho for the season and will soon be moving back closer to home to kick off the winter season. The mastication side has been busy with multiple projects around Anaconda and Missoula. On top of that, we’ve spent the last five weeks on a variety of fire assignments and still have a couple of excavators working on rehab. And back at home, the firewood yard has been picking up and staying quite busy as folks get ready for winter.

A Thought on Grace

While traveling on this trip, I’ve been reflecting on the word grace. One of my favorite definitions is “unmerited favor — the choice to show kindness, patience, and understanding, even when it isn’t required.”

In a time when so much feels uncertain, grace has the power to steady us. It reminds us to celebrate the good, look for the best in each other, and keep moving forward together. Being here in Austria and meeting people who share many of the same struggles and hopes we do has been a powerful reminder that we are all connected — and that a little more grace can go a very long way.

So, here’s my personal challenge to each of us — myself included: let’s finish this year by leading with grace and setting the example for others to follow.

Stay safe out there, Kevin Kanduch

President, Montana Logging Association KLM Contracting