TOCCOA, Ga. — Leon Osborne, founder of Osborne Wood Products, Inc., announced his retirement at a company event in early January 2024. Osborne affirmed in his speech that he will be aiding in staff transitions through July 2024 and has declared Jeremy McClain as his replacement. McClain stands as Chief Executive Officer of the company as of January 1, 2024. He will assume the role of President on July 13, 2024, the company stated. 

The company said there was "sorrow amongst the team," but also excitement for what is to come in the near future. 

Osborne said that the company achieved "astonishing growth and success over the years." He built a successful company while creating incredible relationships with the local community and industry leaders. 

Osborne shared fond memories of his career during the luncheon and expressed how proud he is that the goals and morals of the company have remained true to his original aspirations. He stated that he hopes the core values will remain in place after his retirement. 

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

Osborne shared with his employees that he has always looked at retirement as passing the baton to people who care more than he cares and who can lead better than he leads.

Osborne then announced that he would be passing his role of CEO and company president to McClain who has served as vice president since October of 2022. 

McClain first worked as a shipping associate for Osborne in 2003. McCain prioritized his studies and pursued a Doctorate of Education from Georgia Southern University. He continued to maintain a relationship with Osborne, eventually returning to the company as marketing lead from 2017-2018. In 2019, he was offered the position of marketing director at Osborne and has been an integral member of the team ever since, the company said.

McClain remarked to his fellow employees that he had been a witness to Osborne's commitment to his vision, and what can be achieved through unwavering dedication. 

“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,” McClain continued in his statement. “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.” 

The company stated that it looks forward to continuing to partner with customers and experiencing shared success in the coming years.