John Linn

Results-driven Export Sales & Supply Chain Manager with over 20 years of expertise leading international expansion, key account development, and global trade operations within the forest products and hardwood lumber industries. Proven track record of executing end-to-end export sales strategies, navigating complex international logistics, managing foreign buyers, and resolving operational and quality claims to protect margins and drive enterprise growth.

Export Sales Manager - Church Hardwood Lumber LLC

(2023-04)

• Direct global export sales strategies and commercial operations for North American hardwood lumber across key international markets.
• Manage end-to-end export logistics, overseeing ocean freight bookings, containerized cargo routing, and drayage carriers to ensure on-time delivery to global ports.
• Negotiate competitive freight rates with ocean carriers and forwarders, auditing drayage workflows to minimize demurrage overhead.
• Ensure 100% international trade compliance across all documentation, including Phytosanitary Certificates, Letters of Credit, and Bills of Lading.
• Lead claim resolution workflows, evaluating quality or shipping discrepancies to negotiate fair settlements and safeguard client relationships.

Sales Manager - Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc.

(2020-10 - 2023-04)

• Managed major accounts and directed commercial sales for high-grade hardwood products across domestic and international accounts.
• Partnered with sawmills, kilns, and logistics teams to match timber yield forecasts with global buyer specifications.
• Handled account negotiation, contract terms, pricing structures, and post-delivery customer support.

Asia Sales Manager - Gutchess International Inc.

(2004 - 2020)

• Spearheaded commercial growth and market entry across key Asian markets over a 16-year tenure, expanding international market footprint.
• Cultivated long-term B2B relationships with foreign importers, distributors, manufacturers, and trade agents.
• Managed international financial risks, credit lines, payment structures, and foreign exchange compliance.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) - Information Systems - Radford University