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Growing up, most kids watch their mom and dad get dressed for work and wonder what they do all day. Sometimes, they even ask if they can go to work with them. 

For the Boyette family at the Pine Hill, Ala., Mill., that curiosity turned into a combined 111 years of working at IP.  

It goes back to the mill’s safety motto: I am my brother’s keeper. This mill is a family, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that my brother and sister go home safe at the end of their shift.

– Timmy Boyette

It all began with Doug McGuffee and Linda Boyette. Doug is the father of mill team member Brandy McGuffee Boyette and Linda Boyette is the mother of mill team member Timmy Boyette. Doug and Linda worked at the mill for 41 and 35 years, respectively, before retiring.  

Both Timmy and Brandy have fond memories of their parents working at the mill.

Doug was a senior project engineer in the administration building just a few steps away from Brandy’s current office in the finance department. “As a little girl, I remember walking the hallways with my dad when he had to stop by the office,” Brandy said. “It is surreal to be walking those same halls now as an employee.”

I am my brother’s keeper

Timmy remembers his mom working in the lab as a paper quality tester and being a safety champion. “Mom always stressed the importance of working safely at the mill because every area was dangerous,” he said.  

Timmy and his son, Sage Boyette, embraced Linda’s passion for safety. They are now safety coordinators and members of the mill’s emergency response team (ERT).  

When asked why they wanted to be a part of the safety team, Timmy said, “It goes back to the mill’s safety motto: I am my brother’s keeper. This mill is a family, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that my brother and sister go home safe at the end of their shift.” Sage added, “Being a safety coordinator and part of the ERT helps me help others, which is very rewarding.”

#ProudtoBeIP

In a male-dominated industry, Timmy and Brandy’s daughter, Katie, is one of only a few women working in the recycle plant. She chose to join the mill team because of the financial benefits an IP career provides compared to other jobs in the area.  

“IP has always been good to my family, and I figured it would also be good to me,” Katie said.

Every member of the Boyette family has grown their career by working in multiple departments. Timmy’s 23-year career includes working on the paper machine floor and now as a team lead in the recycle plant. Sage has five years of service working in shipping and the paper lab. Katie has two years of service, with experience on the paper machine floor and now in the recycling plant. With almost two years of service, Brandy is a member of the finance team and provides administrative support to fiber supply.  

Dalton Boyette, Timmy’s nephew, and Linda’s grandson, has three years of service and works in the paper machine area.

With all of the Boyettes’ years of service, it’s certain that they are Proud to Be IP. 

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