About Us

Ozark West was established in 1976 by Garry Loucks in a little town of Yellville, Arkansas. At that time, it was known as "Ozark Country Oak". Garry stumbled upon this endeavor accidentally. After building his house in the Ozark's, he had some beautiful red oak remaining. With this wood, he designed and built some cutting boards as gifts for family and friends. Others soon saw them and wanted to buy them and so he made some more and began selling them locally to small gift shops and grocery stores. Demand grew and a few months later he quit his job and began building this successful business fulltime.

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 handcrafted 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 handcrafted 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.

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.

On January 1, 2009, Ozark West split into two separate companies. Unfortunately at this time, the other company is not open for business. Watch for new items to be added to Ozark West's exclusive product line.

Home    End Grain Cutting Boards
Cutting Boards on Food Network
Walnut Cutting Boards    OZ Fine Culinary Wood Conditioner

Ozark West
8525 E Tanque Verde Rd Unit #1
Tucson, AZ 85749
520-609-7599
angela@ozarkwest.com