News

Osvaldo Pardo, from Logging Worker to Forestry Contractor

Sponsors

Osvaldo Pardo, Manager of Forestal San Fabián de Los Álamos, Biobío Region

At 19, he had to leave his studies and work wherever he could. With a child on the way, one of his brothers, who worked as a logging worker in Los Álamos, taught him the first tasks of what would become a long journey. This is how his forestry story began—one he proudly shares. Today, eight people make up Forestal San Fabián, a contracting company specializing in tower logging. But for Osvaldo, now 48, achieving his dream wasn’t easy.
His first job was at Forestal Lebu, where he was given the opportunity to become a timekeeper, supporting the work supervisors in the logging process. "I didn’t even work a full year as a logging worker before I was promoted to timekeeper. Later, I worked at Forestal Mahuida, where I learned about transportation. By then, I had finished high school by studying at night and became a work supervisor for nearly seven years," he continues. "Then I left because there were more job opportunities, and my financial needs had grown. That’s how I ended up at Servicios Forestales Trile as a work supervisor, where I met Don René Muñoz, a very good man."
His next step was becoming a work supervisor at CFR Forest, where he began a professional relationship with his boss, Claudio Fuentes. This relationship played a key role in Osvaldo fulfilling his dream of owning his own company.
"One thing that made me feel good there was that the logging towers had low targets, and with Don Claudio, we started innovating—figuring out how to improve, how to apply more engineering—and we achieved surprising results. We had very high safety and production standards, and Arauco hired CFR as a strategic partner because of those standards. I felt I had learned a lot and was capable of doing something different, of becoming independent. So, I shared my dreams with my boss, and we reached an agreement. He gave me the opportunity to take over a logging tower, the same one I work with today. He handed it over to me with flexible payment terms. He extended a helping hand, and since I love this work, it was an opportunity I wasn’t going to waste," explains Osvaldo.
In June of this year, his company, Forestal San Fabián SPA, began its first job. "The forestry sector is extremely challenging, but it’s what I love, what I’m passionate about. Today, I’m the truck driver, the work supervisor, the manager of a small company, and a coworker to eight people—folks who had already worked with me before."
"I feel good, but with a different kind of responsibility because these eight people depend on me to secure work and not let them down. That’s a constant concern. I’ve learned that workers must be respected because they’re essential to the company’s growth."
He sees himself as a faithful, hardworking, and responsible person who learned in the forestry world. "There’s always someone with more knowledge who teaches you—that’s how I’ve learned both the forestry and administrative sides of the job. I always said I could do something more, something different, and thank God, things have worked out well for me."

The Importance of Family and God

Osvaldo is married to Natalia Sobarzo, and they have three children. The eldest is a nurse, Osvaldo is studying Construction, and Fabian, the youngest at 11, is an excellent student. He explains that forestry work has allowed him to provide a good education for his children. "I’ve had opportunities and God’s blessing because every parent hopes their children achieve more than they did."
"I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished so far. I have five siblings, and I’m the youngest. I come from a very humble family, and my childhood was very tough. Now, looking back, I say, wow, I’ve achieved things, and I thank God for giving me a beautiful family."
"My wife didn’t want me to get into this business. We tried other things—I spent a month selling southern cheeses, but it wasn’t what I loved. My kids told her it was what made me happy. The beginning wasn’t easy—I spent my savings and had to wait days for the first payments—but today, we’re doing well. She doesn’t question it anymore, and I’ve even received new job requests."
With his company legally established and complying with all labor regulations, he has received new job requests and is waiting for a new logging tower. "The forestry sector is more dangerous now—you can’t move around freely, you have to stay alert. There’s a lot of malice everywhere, but it’s something I love. As long as they don’t cut off my arms, we’ll keep pushing forward."