Stephen Tolnai

Since 2010, Stephen has been a leading champion for the mass timber industry in North America. As the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at SmartLam North America, he educates clients on the design possibilities and benefits of using mass timber as a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel. Stephen has worked with the design leaders for Google and Microsoft helping both turn their mass timber goals into reality. He led the negotiation and implementation of mass timber for one of the tallest wood buildings in the world, Brock Commons in Vancouver, Canada. Also playing a key role in negotiating the largest wood constructed roof in North America at Rocky Ridge Recreation Center in Calgary, Canada. Both world-renowned projects won awards for their innovative use of mass timber in the structure. Stephen brings this same level of energy, perseverance and drive to every project, every meeting, and to the overall strategic goals of the company. As a member of the team that brought mass timber to North America, Stephen led the development of an industry-standard design guide. This guide laid the groundwork for newer versions that are still utilized every day by architects and engineers across North America – supporting, teaching, and guiding them in how to build with mass timber. With his master’s degree in Wood Science and 30 years’ experience in the engineered wood industry, Stephen works with his clients to ensure the most suitable engineered wood product is being used for the right application, taking into consideration all the unique factors of each project. He takes great pride in the relationships he has built across North America, Asia and New Zealand and he maintains high levels of client retention due to his unwavering dedication, service, and communication.