Board Member Spotlight: WCMA President, Jeremy McClain

I’ve spent a total of 11 years with Osborne Wood Products, Inc., across two chapters of my career—starting with my very first job out of college. Back in 2003, I joined the team as a shipping associate. My first big break came when founder Leon Osborne brought in Georgia Tech for Lean Manufacturing training. Some of my shipping recommendations were put into practice, which led to the chance to run our copy lathes. Around that same time, Osborne was transitioning to CNC lathes from Spain, and Leon sent me there to develop an English training manual. Not long after, I was asked to oversee special projects.

Even though I was grateful, I knew I needed to explore opportunities outside Osborne. I told Leon I planned to leave in eight months to pursue graduate school. He gave me the afternoon off to apply and even prayed with me for God’s guidance. That moment has always stuck with me.

I went on to teach in the local school system, earning my master’s and doctoral degrees in education before serving as a county-level administrator. The work was meaningful, but I eventually realized it wasn’t the work meant for me. I reached back out to Leon, and he welcomed me back as Marketing Director. From there, I became Vice President, and after his retirement, I stepped into the role of President and CEO.

Both my time at Osborne and my years in education have shaped the way I lead today. Like anyone, I have strengths and weaknesses. I know our products, culture, and values inside and out. I enjoy collaboration, digging into data, marketing evaluation, and understanding customers. But Osborne is a complex business—we’re a manufacturer, an e-commerce company, an importer, and a distributor. That’s why I lean on trade associations. They fill in my gaps, creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and partnerships that make me stronger. It gives me a completely different sounding board than the team here at Osborne Wood Products.

Outside of work, I enjoy attending events and following the Atlanta Braves, the Green Bay Packers, and motorsports. Life at home is full too—I’m married to my wife, Jenny, and we have four kids: Jadon, Avery, Emily, and Chloe. Our house is always busy, and our cocker spaniel, Maddux, makes sure of that.