Valley Fir It started more than half a century ago when George Wilder Mitchell, Sr. recognized a need for high-grade lumber in the Columbus, Georgia area. The market demand was such that George moved the business from Hurtsboro, Alabama to Columbus within a year of opening. To help manage the growing business, George brought his son, George W. Mitchell Jr., in as President of the company. In 1992 George Jr.'s son, George W. Mitchell III ( Tripp ) joined his father as General Manager of Valley Fir. George Jr. and Tripp still continue the family legacy up to this day.