Leon Osborne to Retire; Jeremy McClain Announced as CEO of Osborne Wood Products, Inc.

January 4, 2024 - It is with great emotion that we announce the upcoming retirement of Leon Osborne, founder of Osborne Wood Products, Inc. Leon will be aiding in staff transitions through July 2024 and has declared Jeremy McClain as his replacement. Jeremy stands as Chief Executive Officer of the company as of January 1, 2024. He will then also assume the role of President on July 13, 2024.

This announcement was made at a company luncheon that took place January 4, 2024. The company graciously offered all staff members a paid and catered lunch specifically for this imperative announcement. There is sorrow amongst the team who will miss working alongside Leon but also excitement for what is to come in the near future.

Leon founded the company in 1979 and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. He has witnessed astonishing growth and success over the years. He has not only built a successful company but also incredible relationships with the local community and industry leaders.

During the luncheon, Leon shared fond memories of his career and expressed how proud he is that the goals and morals of the company have remained true to his original aspirations. He also stated that once he retires, he hopes to see continuance of those core values.

“When I retire, I don’t want to see Osborne Wood Products not looking out for you,” Leon told the staff. “When I retire, I want to hear about how you are more successful because of the opportunities you have here at work everyday.”

He then began speaking about the changes that will occur once his retirement is in place.

“When I was 20 and when I was 30 and when I was 40, I looked ahead to retirement as passing the baton to people who care more than I care and who are able to lead better than I lead. A team of people that are more effective together than ever before,” Leon shared.

He then announced that he would be passing his role of CEO and President of the company to Jeremy McClain, who has acted as Vice President since October of 2022.

Jeremy has a long history with the company, first working as a shipping associate in 2003. A few years later, Jeremy decided to prioritize his studies and a career in education. He holds a Doctorate of Education from Georgia Southern University and worked in various teaching and educational leadership positions. He continued to maintain a relationship with Osborne throughout this time, even working as marketing lead for the company from 2017-2018. In 2019, he was offered the position of marketing director and has been an integral member of the team ever since.

Jeremy spoke following the announcement of his promotion. He expressed his fondness of the time he has spent working with Leon and learning the ins and outs of the business.

"I've witnessed Leon's steadfast commitment to his vision for what can be achieved and his unwavering dedication to honoring every member of our team," he remarked. "It's undeniable that all of this journey began with his visionary outlook."

Jeremy then garnered a round of applause for Leon and his career.

“It’s my hope that I have had the opportunity to be mentors to others and invest in them in the way that I feel like I have been invested in,” he continued. “I want to note that it is my hope that in the transition that the same mission we woke up with this morning is the same mission we should be thinking about tomorrow.”

Osborne looks forward to continuing to partner with our customers and experiencing shared success in the coming years. Although 2024 will be a transitional year, the quality, excellence and courtesy that Osborne has provided for over 40 years will continue to be the prioritized vision.