James W. Rane (born 1947)[1] is an American businessman, and the Founder, Chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Great Southern Wood Preserving, one of the largest pressure treated lumber producers in the world.

His father was the son of Italian immigrants and a World War II veteran who operated several restaurants and hotels, eventually becoming the president of the local chamber of commerce.

[9][10] Rane would pursue a legal career, attending Cumberland School of Law at Samford University where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1971.

In 1970, his wife's parents were killed in an automobile accident, leaving behind a small non-operational lumber treatment plant on the brink of bankruptcy.

[3][11] Rane began operating the plant in 1970, founding Great Southern Wood Preserving with his brother that same year and made his first delivery in 1971 out of the back of a pick up truck.

[17][3] In the 21st century Great Southern Wood Preservation has grown into the world's largest pressure treated lumber producer with operations in over 25 countries.

[2][19] Despite the growth of Great Southern Wood Preserving into the largest pressure-treated lumber producer in the world, Rane has elected to keep the company’s headquarters in his hometown of Abbeville, a geographically isolated town of just 2,000 people, rather than moving to a larger market.