TC native working to improve the world - Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing

By Karin Beery
Contributing Writer

Courtesy photo Rick Paid climbs a tree in the Amazon as part of Big Tree Adventure Tours. The new business venture has allowed Paid to help preserve a portion of the Amazon forest.

TRAVERSE CITY – Thirty years ago, Rick Paid was dismantling old buildings when he had an idea. If people were interested in buying used barn beams and siding, maybe they would be interested in exotic
hardwoods.

Today he owns Rare Earth Hardwoods, an umbrella company that not only provides exotic hardwoods to northern Michigan, but has also inspired new business ventures while helping Paid fulfill his desire to preserve the environment where he lives and works.

Traverse City native and Northwestern Michigan College graduate Rick Paid started his company after selling the lumber and large timbers reclaimed from old buildings and barns. His curiosity about the availability and usability of rare hardwoods led him to the Amazon.

“If you’re looking for water, go to the lake,” said Paid. “I just bought a ticket for Brazil and spent a month looking in remote areas for suppliers.”

He found the right suppliers and founded Rare Earth Hardwoods. REH produces everything from decking to custom cabinetry from exotic species of hardwoods. Zero Impact Brazil is REH’s production facility, allowing the company to supply wood directly to customers.


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TC native working to improve the world - Grand Traverse Insider - Morning Star Publishing