A day with a CPA: Natalie Heacock

5:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Morning routine
My day starts early with a morning workout alongside my husband of 13 years. This time is crucial for me to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. We end our workout with a 20 minute sauna session – I feel grateful that I get to surround myself with Patrick Lumber wood in such a peaceful and intentional way.  After the sauna, I check in with my 89-year-old grandmother, who lives with us. Then it’s all about getting our three kids—Henry (11), Charlotte (9), and Calvin (7)—ready for the day. With all three active in sports, mornings are a mix of packing lunches, organizing gear, and ensuring everyone is out the door on time.

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Commute to our headquarters in Philomath, OR
Today is our monthly Trader Meeting, so I have a 2-hour drive to Patrick Lumber Manufacturing (PLM) in Philomath, which is also our Headquarters, where I have a series of monthly meetings. 

My husband makes me an Americano with honey to go and I listen to my podcasts which are a mix of  The Daily, The Journal, or Lumber Slingers(a podcast my colleague and I record weekly) to stay informed on the latest news. I also use the time to make calls during the drive. This time helps me mentally organize my priorities for the day.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Meeting with the CEO
Once I arrive at the mill, I start the day with a one-on-one meeting with our CEO. This is a crucial time to discuss the company’s overall strategy, address any pressing issues, and ensure we’re aligned as we lead the team forward.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Trader meeting
After meeting with the CEO, I attend the Trader Meeting.  This is a vital opportunity for the sales team to connect with each other and leadership. Each Trader discusses their markets, current trends, and any challenges they are facing. Today, we’re welcoming a new trader to the team. It’s exciting to hear about the business he’s bringing with him and to explore how his experience will contribute to our growth.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Urgent issue - inventory system down
Just as the Sales Meeting wraps up, I receive an urgent call from Operations. The inventory system is down at one of our partner mills, potentially causing significant delays. I coordinate with our Operations Manager, and ensure a plan is in place to get the system back online as soon as possible. Communication is key here, so I’m in constant contact with both our team and the partner mill to manage the situation.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch and networking
With the immediate crisis managed, I grab a quick lunch and take the opportunity to catch up with key team members. We often invite industry contacts to join us for a catered lunch after these meetings, and today we’re hosting guests from a local non-profit who are interested in learning more about our business. This informal setting is a great way to discuss the state of the industry and build relationships that are essential to our growth.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Capital budget meeting
After lunch, I dive into a capital budget meeting. I lead the discussion on how we’re allocating resources to support our long-term growth and innovation. We are currently building a new hardwood sawmill which takes a lot of time and resources, but I am happy with the results of this meeting as we are on budget and on time with the project.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Leads meeting
In the late afternoon, I attend the Leads Meeting, where I meet with mill management and all of the manufacturing center leads. This is a valuable opportunity for them to connect directly with leadership, share updates, and discuss any pressing issues or successes. 

These meetings are crucial for fostering strong relationships and ensuring open communication across all levels of the company.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Drive back to the office
After wrapping up at PLM, I make the 2-hour drive back. During the drive, I stay connected, making calls or reflecting on the day’s discussions, while also keeping an eye on the resolution of the inventory system issue.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wrapping up the day
Once I’m back, I take some time to wrap up any lingering work tasks, respond to emails, and plan for the next day. I also check in with Operations to ensure the inventory system issue has been fully resolved.

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Family time and soccer practices
After a full day of meetings, travel, and problem-solving, I focus on family time. 

Whether it’s attending one of the kids’ soccer practices or enjoying dinner together with my grandmother, these moments keep me grounded and motivated. I also use this time to plan for the next day – lunches, timing and kids’ rides.

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Final reflections
In the evening, I like to unwind with a book—I am currently reading “5 temptations of a CEO” by Patrick Lencioni. I usually listen to books on audible and also have a hard copy handy so I can adapt to the situation I am in, otherwise I might never finish a book!  It’s a peaceful way to wrap up the day before heading to bed, often with my dog curled up nearby.

Read more Member News