At Thermory, we’re fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry, and one of our standout partners is Russin, covering the Northeast. For over 65 years, Russin has been a beacon of innovation, quality, and expertise in the building materials world. With three generations of leadership, they’ve built a reputation not just as a supplier, but as a trusted advisor to contractors, homeowners, and designers. And when it comes to Thermory, Russin has played an integral role in bringing thermally modified wood to the forefront of the building community.
We recently caught up with Jordan Russin, a third-generation leader at Russin, to reflect on the partnership, what sets them apart, and how Thermory fits into their broader mission of offering the best products and service to their customers.
A Longstanding Partnership Built on Trust and Innovation
Russin has been offering Thermory products for well over a decade, starting in 2012. Since then, Thermory has become an essential part of Russin’s portfolio of top-tier building materials. But the relationship is about more than just products—it’s about a shared commitment to innovation and quality.
As Kevin DeMars, CEO of Thermory, notes: “Russin is one of our longest distributor relationships. Jordan and Adam Russin were early adopters, taking on the product before most of the industry had ever heard of thermally modified wood. Their stance on innovation and ‘future thinking’ carries through today as they’re always willing to be the first to carry our new product releases. We dearly appreciate Russin as a long-term Thermory partner!”
Russin’s commitment to innovation is evident in their approach to business. As Mark Challinor, Thermory’s Chief Financial Officer, shares: “Russin has been an outstanding partner—and a friend to Thermory. I believe Thermory has helped Russin over the years, enabling them to carve out a reputation for top-quality products and market-leading innovation. At the same time, however, Russin has also helped Thermory. Working with a top-tier distributor like Russin has taught Thermory what it takes to properly service the premium building products market.”
For Russin, offering Thermory products is about offering the best of the best. Our focus on creating luxurious, durable materials aligns with Russin’s dedication to providing materials that make a lasting impact on any project.
“Thermory has been a crucial partner for us,” Jordan says. “It’s been amazing to see how Thermory has helped us evolve and be seen as leaders in the building materials industry. Their products align perfectly with our mission to bring cutting-edge, premium materials to our customers. Thermory’s commitment to sustainability and luxury fits seamlessly with what we’re all about at Russin.”
Russin’s Approach: Quality, Service, and Expertise
What truly sets Russin apart from other distributors is their relentless focus on quality and service. Since its founding in 1957, Russin has been guided by a simple but powerful principle: to offer the best products available, backed by expert guidance to ensure customers make the right choice for every project. With three generations of leadership at the helm, Russin has evolved to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry, always staying ahead of the curve with the latest materials and technologies.
“Russin isn’t just here to sell building materials,” says Jordan. “We’re here to help our customers make informed decisions. We know that ‘best’ means something different for every project, and our job is to guide our customers to the right product for their needs, whether it’s high-end residential or large-scale commercial projects.”
This approach has allowed Russin to build strong, lasting relationships with customers, from contractors to homeowners to designers. And as Russin continues to grow, their commitment to expert support, personalized service, and curated product offerings remains unchanged.
Thermory’s Role in Russin’s Success
Thermory has been a key part of Russin’s strategy to remain a leader in the building materials industry. By offering Thermory’s innovative thermally modified wood products, Russin has been able to provide their customers with materials that are not only beautiful but also sustainable and durable. The ability to offer a product that meets the growing demand for eco-conscious, long-lasting building materials has allowed Russin to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly complex market.
“Partnering with Thermory has really helped solidify our position as thought leaders in the industry,” Jordan explains. “The technology behind thermally modified wood is such a game-changer, and Thermory was at the forefront of that innovation. By offering Thermory, we can provide our customers with a product that’s ahead of the curve in terms of sustainability, design, and performance.”
Favorite Projects: Showcasing the Versatility of Thermory
When asked about some of his favorite projects where Thermory products were featured, Jordan was quick to mention “All Wood All The Time”, a project by Opal Architecture featured in Residential Design Magazine, that captured the versatility and elegance of Thermory’s products.
Another standout project for Jordan was the Squibb Park Bridge in Brooklyn, where Thermory was the chosen building material to create an extraordinary pedestrian bridge.
“These projects really show off the incredible range of Thermory,” Jordan says. “From high-end, luxury applications to large-scale public works, Thermory’s products stand out for their beauty, durability, and environmental friendliness. It’s a privilege to have these types of projects as part of our portfolio.”
What Customers Are Saying About Russin and Thermory
The feedback from Russin’s customers regarding Thermory is overwhelmingly positive. Time and again, they note the exceptional quality of the product, which is evident from the moment the delivery truck arrives. According to Jordan, one of the most common things customers say about Thermory is that it’s unlike any other wood product on the market.
“You can tell Thermory is different the minute it’s delivered,” Jordan says with a smile. “The quality is immediately apparent. Every single piece is immaculate. With regular lumber, you get some pieces that are beautiful, some that are okay, and some that aren’t so great. With Thermory, every piece is top-notch.”
For Russin’s customers, Thermory isn’t just a product—it’s a luxury experience. It’s a statement piece that elevates any project, from residential decks to commercial facades, all while offering the durability and sustainability that today’s builders and designers demand.
A Shared Vision (and a partnership we’re proud of!)
Russin’s mission of providing the best materials available—combined with their hands-on, knowledgeable approach to customer service—is a perfect match for Thermory’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and cutting-edge innovation. We don’t just see Russin as a distributor; we see them as a true partner, one that shares our values and helps amplify our message of sustainable building solutions.
Together, we’ve built a powerful collaboration that brings the best of thermally modified wood to projects across the Northeast, helping create spaces that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Mark Challinor mentions, “Like good friends, we don’t always agree, but the close partnership between Russin and Thermory—built on trust and honesty—allows a lively back-and-forth that has made both companies better.”
Jordan Russin says it best: “We’re excited to continue growing with Thermory. Their commitment to excellence is something we truly admire, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer their products to our customers. Together, we’re helping shape the future of building materials and providing solutions that will last for generations.”
Image Credits: Andra (Viidikas) Toke. Trent Bell Photography.
