From Edinburgh to the World Stage: The Inspiring Journey of Richard Wertz
For many, a "practice interview" is just a way to shake off the nerves before chasing a dream job somewhere else. But for Richard Wertz (Edinburgh Community Schools Class of 1965), a routine practice run in 1972 at Amos-Hill turned into a lifelong, globetrotting career that would take him from the hardwood of local gymnasiums to the boardrooms of international commerce.
Today, Richard and his wife, Becky, are well-known philanthropists giving back to the community that raised them. But long before he was a global veneer executive, Richard was just a kid enjoying the simple freedoms of growing up in Edinburgh, Indiana.
Though he lived just outside of town, Richard’s youth was defined by the classic landmarks of a mid-century Hoosier upbringing. After school and athletic practices, you could usually find him hanging out with friends at the local Dairy Queen, the Kolhlemiers’ Soda Fountain, or Hershel’s Grill where the neighborhood kids jokingly swore the secret to the amazing hamburgers was that they only changed the grease once a year. He also frequented the teen cantina, which stood where the current post office is located today.
An active student, Richard was a true three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. His leadership and grit on the gridiron earned him the MVP title during his senior year. But his talents weren't limited to sports; Richard also played the tenor saxophone in the school band.
Of all his school memories, none quite match the legendary class trip to New York City in May of 1965 where the students got to experience the marvels of the World’s Fair. The trip was a spectacular send-off, as it unfortunately marked the very last year Edinburgh High School hosted a class trip. More than the sights, however, the trip solidified bonds with lifelong friends, including schoolmates Charles Bills and Michael Bruce, the latter of whom Richard has been friends with since pre-kindergarten. He also credits his favorite teacher, Francis Houston, with teaching him how to be a truly free thinker.
After graduating from Edinburgh, Richard attended Murray State University, earning his degree in 1969 with a bachelor’s in business. He initially dedicated his talents to education, spending two years teaching and coaching in Ballard, Kentucky, and one year teaching Business and Accounting at Indian Creek.
Then came 1972, and the twist of fate at Amos-Thompson.
Though he only walked into the veneer company to practice his interviewing skills for another job opportunity, the leadership at Amos-Thompson saw his potential immediately. They offered him a position on the spot. Over the next decade, Richard climbed through the ranks, serving as a sales representative, assistant sales manager, sales manager, and participating in the Young Executive Program.
By 1982, the company had been acquired by Amos-Hill Veneer and Lumber a Division of Hammermill Paper Company and was slated for closure due to low return on investments. Ready to take the ultimate leap, Richard purchased the company that year, embarking on a highly successful 26 year run as owner with partners.
Under Richard's leadership, the business truly went global. To manage the extensive travel required to inspect logs and sell veneer worldwide, Richard became a licensed pilot. For years, he spent 8 to 10 weeks annually traveling across Europe and all corners of the United States. In the 1990s, he successfully broke into Asian markets, expanding the company’s footprint even further.
In January 1998, Panel World Magazine, a global publication covering veneer, plywood, composites and laminates industries, highlighted the mill’s turnaround. An article titled “Amos-Hill Associates, Back in the Saddle”, credited Richard Wertz with pulling Amos-Hill Associates Inc. back from the brink of failure. More than just a business triumph, Wertz's acquisition kept the mill alive and saved 200 crucial jobs in the Edinburgh community.
After selling the business in 2006, Richard and Raeann formed WTV (Wertz Timber Veneer), a custom veneer cutting business based in Franklin. They ran WTV until 2017. Even after selling WTV, Richard’s expertise remained in high demand; he continued to serve on the board of the International Timber and Veneer Company until 2025.
Now enjoying a well-earned retirement, Richard and Becky have made sure their success leaves a lasting legacy for the next generation. Through the Johnson County Community Foundation, they established two distinct Richard and Becky Wertz Scholarships, helping local students pursue their own dreams of higher education.
When asked what advice he would pass down to students navigating the world today, Richard emphasizes the power of relationships and personal standards:
“Build good relationships with teachers, coaches, and classmates. Develop strong study and learning habits to be prepared for the future. Explore extracurricular activities and treat others the way you want to be treated. Set goals and maintain good communications with family and friends.”
From the Edinburgh class trip of 1965 to flying across continents, Richard Wertz's life stands as a testament to where hard work, adaptability, and a foundation of strong values can take you.