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Even from an early age Mike liked getting up early in the morning. The habit has served him well over time, and lends itself well to his entrepreneurial spirit.

Mike, and his fraternal twin brother, were raised with their four sisters in Banks, Oregon. As an ambitious youngster to earn money, Mike took to heart working the summer harvests. And when he got older , he bucked hay for the local farmers.

At 18 and just out of high school, Mike took the opportunity to log in Alaska. While in Alaska he lived in a floating camp on a barge in Sitka. Mike learned a lot about logging in the 3 years in Alaska. During his logging adventure in Alaska, he was able to put every paycheck into a bank account. Every dollar he saved was a dollar closer to his dream of one day starting his own business.

In the fall of 1982 at the age of 22, Mike decided to take the cash he'd made, and form his own company. His brother Matt joined him in establishing Pihl Brothers Logging. The companies first purchase was a Skagit SJ5 swing yarder. They ran a lean crew with Mike running the yarder and Matt in the brush. Eventually they were able to hire three other men on, at which time they were able to rent a Prentice 600D wheel loader. The company grew at a steady pace for the next four years.

In 1986, Matt left the company to pursue other business opportunities, thus dissolving the partnership. At this time Mike Pihl Logging, Inc. was formed. The company expansion has continued over the years. In recent years Mike has invested in land parcels for both logging and development. Always looking to the future and the next opportunity for growth.

Mike Pihl Logging now employs over 40 people. Most are Vernonia area residents. Realizing the importance of family, having seven children himself, Mike is an above average employer providing benefits for his employees. His daughter, Lindsay is the company office manager and her husband, Kelly Baska is a supervisor in the logging division.