Driving success: Gosson Enterprises and the power of small business

For 15 years, Steve Gosson and his team at Gosson Enterprises Limited have delivered woodchips and roundwood for Irving Woodlands with consistency, care and a commitment to best practices.

Steve is one of the more than 400 harvesting and trucking business owners Irving Woodlands’ forestry operations rely on. Many of these businesses, like Steve’s, employ fewer than 50 people, yet these small businesses play an important role in the forest supply chain and the economy.

Steve's journey began with family. Growing up working in his father's garbage disposal business, he learned to drive early and developed a strong work ethic rooted in community values. In 2012, Steve launched Gosson Enterprises in Saint John, N.B. with a single chip truck. Today the company runs three trucks and employs nine drivers, operating 24 hours a day, five days a week. 

"We keep our fleet up to date because reliability matters,” Steve said. “Drivers need to know they'll be delivering product, not stuck in a shop waiting on unexpected repairs. That kind of consistency is key to keeping things moving." 

Gosson Enterprises is more than a business. It's a family-first operation. Steve prioritizes his team's well-being, making sure team members have what they need on and off the road. That philosophy extends to how the business is run, where safety and compliance are non-negotiable.

As technological developments are reshaping industries, Gosson Enterprises is an example of how small businesses continue to adapt.

"Each of our tractors is equipped with tracking technology and I personally monitor the data daily. It helps us stay ahead of safety issues and manage costs, whether it's speed, harsh breaking or unnecessary idling. It's all about running smarter," Steve said.

This Small Business Week, J.D. Irving, Limited is proud to recognize the entrepreneurs who keep operations moving and communities strong – small business owners like Steve Gosson who are not only ready for the future but are helping to shape it.