Our Team
Management & Sales
Jan Nielsen
CEO | Purchasing & Sales
Jan is the son, of the father-son partnership that began in 1978. Born into a family of craftsmen, he inherited his family’s appreciation and skill with wood. Born in Denmark, Jan has lived on the Saanich Peninsula since 1974, he loves skiing, boating, exploring the Island and travelling abroad.
Lars Nielsen
Vice President | Flooring Sales
Lars is Jan’s brother and was born in Quebec; raised on the BC coast where he acquired a great appreciation of the sea while living on a boat with his parents. Boats have factored largely throughout Lars’ life, as even his marriage took place aboard his 1947 Chris Craft. Lars is committed to his family; his newest project – another boat, and sustained personal growth.
Shelley Nielsen
In Memory
Shelley is Jan’s wife. A true BC’er born and bred, she has been part of the West Wind team since 1978. A true family business, their daughters Olivia and Anna have occasionally lent a hand.
On July 9th, 2023 Shelley passed away from complications arising from a stem cell transplant while treating her lifelong Myelofibrosis diagnosis. She will forever be missed by our staff, customers and her family.
Britney King
Accounting & Office Manager
Married and a new homeowner in North Saanich, Britney has a background in fashion and her sense of style is shown through the website and marketing materials. When not at West Wind Britney runs her own business designing and making bridal gowns.
Danny Schaftlein
Milling Manager
Danny has been with us since 2004; coming highly recommended by his woodworking teacher at Stelly’s Secondary. Danny has a passion for the forest and working with the wood that comes from within. As a ticketed joiner, Danny heads up the production department at West Wind Hardwood creating custom floors, countertops, and much more!
Jonathan Hawkins
Building Supplies/School Sales
Jonathan is a Graduate of Stelly’s Secondary. He handles inside sales and is the school rep. He is a big fan of adventure and exploring the outdoors, especially camping. He also plays ice hockey, pickleball, and video games and is consistently working on his truck. He is always keen to learn new things which will contribute to a positive future.
WE'RE HIRING
Want to Join Our Team?
We are always interested in receiving resumes from people with the passion for woodworking and sales. If you feel West Wind would make a great fit for you, please reach out!
Milling & Warehouse
Joel Radford
Milling Lead
Joel is our wood-flooring expert becoming the icon of West Wind’s flooring expansion. He is thoroughly knowledgeable about all aspects of our brand name and custom floors. Joel started some years ago as a part-time student coming highly recommended by his woodworking teacher at Parkland Secondary. He now is a ticketed joiner and joins Danny as a lead milling specialist.
Tyler Strank
Milling Support
Tyler Strank is another Parkland Secondary Grad who has a passion for woodwork. He is our latest employee to complete the BCIT joinery apprenticeship program. His favourite wood is poplar for its wide colour range. Away from work, Tyler raises prize-winning guinea pigs! Who would’ve guessed?
Richard Carter
Warehouse Support
Born in Victoria in 1980; he moved to England at the age of 6 years. Developed an appreciation for history, aircraft, and humour of the dry sarcasm persuasion; i.e. Monty Python. Returned to Victoria in 2003. Richard achieved his Private Pilot’s License but decided to pursue a woodworking career. We welcome him to WWH where he can spread his ‘wood’ wings.
