For the first fifteen years, Garry sold his unique products only at high quality juried arts-and-crafts fairs throughout the country. These fairs require that all products sold, be designed and hand crafted by the artist.

In January 1990, Garry moved his business to Tucson, Arizona. A name change dropped "Country Oak" and added "West" to make "Ozark West". Everyone wants to know the origin of our company name when we do shows. They don't understand the combination of "Ozark" and "West". Now you know the rest of the story!

Ozark West expanded its business by attending wholesale shows to market to gift stores and galleries who wished to offer fine hand crafted products to their customers. Ozark West obtained over 250 specialty gift stores and galleries representing its product.

On May 1, 2002 Ozark West turned another page in its history. The company was sold to Rick and Angela Odea. The Odeas bring many skills necessary to grow and prosper in this business. Speaks Rick about Ozark, "What we liked about this company was that the product is hand-made. Ozark West is not a mass-marketer and every piece that leaves our shop is artwork in itself." Rick spent the past 20 years in music retailing. The last 10 years as an owner. He operated a full-line music store that specialized in Steinway and Sons pianos. After closing and selling parts of that business, he was ready to embark on a new adventure. He had four criterias to match. 1. Wanted to manufacture a product. 2. Distribute either retail or wholesale. 3. A product with great internet presence and fourth, produce something out of wood. By the stroke of good fortune, a suitor was found for Ozark West.

In January 2008, Rick and Angela brought in new partners, Joe and Wendy Cantando. Joe and Wendy have owned, operated, managed and consulted businesses in part or whole since 1987 in numerous sectors ranging from the automotive, Real Estate, hospitality, wholesale/retail and manufacturing industries in addition to a wide range of individually owned businesses and companies. They bring an unparalleled focus, direction and process driven mentality to the organizations they are part of or are contracted to improve through thoroughly analyzing what is, forecasting what could be and ultimately implementing what needs to be done to get there in a timely, cost effective manner. A couple of credos they live by and demonstrate consistently are;

Angela and Rick Odea / Joe and Wendy Cantando

Today, Ozark West is selling on the internet on this website and only at a handful of exclusive culinary stores.

Since the beginning, we have come to be recognized as the premier designers and builders of the highest quality handcrafted chopping block tables in America. Using only premium American hardwoods; Bird's Eye Maple, Rock Maple, Wild Cherry, Black Walnut, Red Oak, and Mesquite. Including our butcher block tables, Ozark West also manufactures end grain cutting boards, edge grain cutting boards, and "Treenware", a complete line of wooden utensils that is available in left and right hand models.

The Wood Working Shop

The shop is located on Rick and Angela's property. Rick is seen below making end grain, walnut cutting boards for Emeril's show "Essence of Emeril", which began taping a new season on June 20, 2005.

The finished product shipped to Emeril in time for his new season taping June 2005!


In July 2006 the shop was expanded. Although not totally finished, below are some pictures of the new shop:

ZEVI, "Still Shop Manager"

*Availability* If items are in stock, they will be shipped 2-3 business days from order. If items have to be made, we have a 4 - 5 week turnaround time. Once shipped, a tracking # will be emailed. NOTE: Ozark West's products are the best quality you can get on the market today. Each board is handmade one-at-a-time by only one craftsman, Rick Odea. All orders are made in the order they are received, and you will receive a beautiful one-of-a-kind culinary product. Please remember - Ozark West's products are well worth the wait!

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