For Bryan Reid Sr., the founder of Pioneer Log Homes of B.C., looking back on 50 years in the log home industry evokes nothing but satisfaction. “I did not regret one day, not one minute, not one second,” Reid stated from his log home in Lac La Hache, a home initially built as a testament to the company’s craftsmanship. His journey, deeply rooted in a childhood fascination with log structures and nurtured by hard work and a passion for quality, has seen Pioneer Log Homes Bc grow from a local endeavor to an internationally recognized name in handcrafted log homes. Reid fondly recalls the people who have been part of this journey, “I worked with the most wonderful people on earth – our employees and our clients,” emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has driven the company’s success.
Pioneer Log Homes of B.C. founder Bryan Reid Sr. smiles as he talks about the Cedar Rocket, a log car he and his long-time friend Gerald Overton created.
Reid’s affinity for log homes began in his childhood. Moving to Williams Lake in Grade 5, his connection to the wilderness and log structures deepened through his stepfather, Albert “Bert” Chevigny, a trapper. Recounting his experiences, Reid shared, “He used to trap this valley from Williams Lake to Lac La Hache.” These trapping expeditions often involved staying in rudimentary log cabins heated by wood stoves, sometimes in extreme cold reaching “50 below.” These cabins were more than just shelter; they were lifelines. “If it wasn’t for that cabin, we would have perished. It was truly a lifestyle,” Reid reflected, highlighting the profound respect he gained for his stepfather and the self-sufficient lifestyle.
Driven by the desire to provide for his young family, Reid envisioned building his own log home in Commodore Heights, near Williams Lake. Seeking expertise, he reached out to Sampson Jack of Riske Creek (Tl’esqox First Nation), renowned for building log homes for his community using local resources. Jack became Reid’s mentor, agreeing to help build Reid’s home. Constructed from local pine harvested by Reid and a friend, Hans Ploessl, the 32-foot by 32-foot home, totaling 1,024 square feet, met the minimum size requirement for a bank loan in 1973. “People would come and look because no one had built a log home in years,” Reid remembered, noting the novelty and craftsmanship of log homes at the time. Simultaneously, Jack was constructing another log home on South Lakeside, further showcasing the resurgence of log building.
A turning point arrived when a client from the coast commissioned Reid to build a log home in Chimney Valley for their retirement. Balancing his job as a parts manager for Datsun with his burgeoning passion, Reid dedicated nights and weekends to this project. “It was hard, but I had a family and I wanted to get ahead in the world,” he explained. This dedication marked the beginning of Pioneer Log Homes BC’s journey. Over the next five to six years, Reid undertook various log home projects, gradually building his reputation and honing his skills in crafting exceptional pioneer log homes.
Family became integral to the growth of Pioneer Log Homes BC. Reid enlisted his brothers, André and David Chevigny, and his son Bryan Jr., who started learning the trade at a young age. Today, David owns Pioneer Logging, and André runs an aggregate company, both having contributed significantly to Pioneer Log Homes’ early success. Keith Reid, another brother, owned a cabinet business in Kamloops and supplied cabinets for Pioneer’s homes for approximately 40 years, further cementing the family-oriented nature of the business.
In 1981, Reid Sr. partnered with Chuck Moore to establish Chuck’s Auto Supply Ltd. While managing this venture, Reid continued to build log homes, driven by his passion. By 1986, the pull of log building became undeniable. “I had to make a decision and follow my dream of log building,” Reid stated, leading him to sell his share of Chuck’s Auto Supply and invest in his log home vision.
Teaming up with Jim Redekopp, Reid purchased the Pioneer Ranch on Horsefly Road as a building site. The ranch’s name resonated with their vision, and Pioneer Log Homes was officially born. The company’s reach expanded beyond Canada in 1983 when they built their first home for a client in Eugene, Oregon. Reid recalls the trade barriers of the time, “At that time there was no free trade between Canada and the U.S. and duty was 25 per cent.” He believes the subsequent North American Free Trade Agreement, championed by leaders like Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr., and Brian Mulroney, was crucial for Pioneer Log Homes BC’s growth, stating, “I think that was one of the great steps in the development of North America, still to this day.”
Currently, Pioneer Log Homes BC operates from four locations, including the original site at 153 Mile, now managed by his grandson, Bryan Reid. “Now he’s got a son and guess what his name is? Bryan Reid. That is an honour,” Reid Sr. proudly shared, highlighting the legacy continuing into the fourth generation. The other sites are in 100 Mile House, Xatsull First Nation, and Williams Lake First Nation, reflecting the company’s strong roots in the British ColumbiaCariboo region. In 2017, Reid Sr. transitioned ownership to his son, Bryan Reid Jr., ensuring the company’s future leadership remained within the family.
Pioneer Log Homes BC gained further prominence in 2014 with the debut of “Timber Kings,” an HGTV series that showcased their handcrafted log homes to a global audience. The show depicted the intricate process of building these homes in the Cariboo, disassembling them, and shipping them worldwide for reconstruction. Reid himself traveled extensively for these projects. “I might be in Germany on Friday putting up a house and in Alaska the following Thursday,” he recounted, illustrating the global demand for Pioneer Log Homes BC’s expertise. The company sources cedar logs from Haida Gwaii and near Bella Bella, transporting them by barge and truck to their building sites, emphasizing their commitment to using premium British Columbia materials.
In his well-deserved retirement, Bryan Reid Sr. is developing a showroom in his home, dedicated to showcasing the rich history of Pioneer Log Homes BC and his personal journey. The showroom features company memorabilia, vintage tools, photographs, and books that inspired his log building journey. A unique display honors U.S. presidents, reflecting Reid’s appreciation for North American business opportunities. Another highlight is the Cedar Rocket, the record-breaking log car built by Reid and Gerald Overton, which set a Guinness World Record in 2015. The Cedar Rocket was auctioned for $350,000 US, with proceeds donated to veterans’ groups, earning Reid recognition, including having the American flag flown over a special operations task force headquarters in Afghanistan in his honor.
Reid is also preparing to release a book co-authored with Kimberly Tent, focusing on strategies for success. “It’s about how you can get ahead,” he explained, adding, “There’s always the opportunity. All you have to do is take your brain to work.” This philosophy encapsulates the spirit of Pioneer Log Homes BC – a blend of vision, hard work, family values, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in crafting exceptional pioneer log homes that are shipped and admired worldwide, all starting from the heart of British Columbia.
