I had no control over the politics of the decade. I did, however, have control over my costs. While others were purchasing their equipment, I was leasing. When the bottom fell out of the construction industry and it became increasingly difficult to find mills to buy logs, I was able to get out of the business. Others had huge notes to pay and many went bankrupt. I don't really get to count that as tremendous business acumen as much as it was just plain dumb luck.
It should be: Except for pines and a few other species.