Just to throw another speculation log on the fire - the arrangement between HIMR and North Cal might be one of consignment. This would allow North Cal to avoid risk which would seem to be in keeping with North Cal's apparently low risk business model. Before getting wood from HIMR, they seem to use only reclaimed wood they source themselves that they get free or very cheap and then breath value into it via woodworking. Turning "pennies into dollars" as they say. For HIMR, as extractor and wholesaler, such an arrangement might allow them to participate in the value creation that occurs via the woodworking and marketing.