The Wood Source is one of few businesses that grew amid the recession

Craig Macartney
Spur Ottawa Writer

The business world sometimes has a reputation as being dog eat dog. Between shoddy jobs, poor service, cash-under-the-table, and questionable tax shelters, it can be rare to find a business you really trust. There are, however, shining examples of businesses, right here in Ottawa, strictly run on Kingdom principles.

Tim and Phil Priddle grew up in a strong Christian home. Their parents were deeply supportive and encouraging. They also invested heavily in developing faith and Christian virtues in their children.

Growing up, Tim developed two defining traits: a passion for Christ and an entrepreneurial spirit.

“As a teenager I was influenced by two men in their 30s who brought my personal faith to life. I have been blessed by my relationship to God,” he states. “At high school I started my first business, doing lawns and minor household renovations. I always wanted to fix and build stuff.”

After graduation, Phil decided he wanted to work for Tim, and their business took off. Tim says it was a good fit for them and they enjoyed the work, but in the late 1990s the business took a surprising twist. Much of the lumber they used came from a store, called Adams and Kennedy, founded by two men in the 1950s.

“The temptation to compromise our Christian principles are frequent. Some of our choices [not to compromise] resulted in lost business.”

“In the 90s their partnership was stressed and they decided to sell,” Tim says. “Following months of negotiations, Phil and I prayed through this opportunity and we were led to buy Adams and Kennedy in 1998. It was a new beginning and took a lot of faith. Even our dad was anxious.”

Today, the business is known as The Wood Source. It grew quickly under their leadership, but not without significant character tests.

“There are tough decisions at times when running a company with many substantial clients and customers. The temptation to compromise our integrity and our Christian principles are frequent. Some of our choices [not to compromise] resulted in lost business, but we knew that could happen.”

Tim says they keep at the forefront of their minds the attitude that God owns the business.

“We pray at the beginning of each new day for God’s provision and for His purpose to be accomplished here.”

“I love to come to work every day. Phil and I and our staff are privileged to be the stewards. We pray at the beginning of each new day for God’s provision and for His purpose to be accomplished here.”

The Wood Source also stands out as one of the few businesses that actually grew amid the recession. They recently completed a major new addition to their facility. Although the addition was a difficult process, Tim says they are grateful they felt it was the right thing to do and that they went through with it.

“Our production and sales have increased because of this new capacity. Even during this time, there were many stressful days and weeks, but God brought us through them with peace and joy.”

So what is ahead for The Wood Source and the Priddle brothers? Tim says another major shift is in the works.

“We have preparations and negotiations planned for an exciting transition. Lord willing, Phil’s son and my son will take over, allowing Phil and me to pursue our passion for hands-on ministry.”

When the transition takes place is still up in the air, but Tim says it will be “at the right time…in God’s time.”

Gerry Organ contributed to this article.