12/10/2017
It's amazing how far my company has come. I have to thank God for giving me the vision to start a company using "the trees that grow in my back yard" to create cutting boards and other wooden things!
Here's the story:
About 5 years ago, I was planning Gray Owl Wood Works. I knew I wanted to make cutting boards, and everything I could read about them told me the Great American hardwoods were usually best: Walnut, Maple, and Cherry. So I found a supplier. I had my order all set up; all I had to do was tell the guy my debit card number and $2000 in Walnut, Maple, and Cherry would be sent my way. Then I prayed. I asked God if this was the right thing to do: "Is this the way You want my company to go?" Then I had a memory, a vision of when I was a young boy growing up at my parent's property in the Ocala National Forest. There were pine trees everywhere. I remember dad would build tables and benches out of the natural wood and the wood was hard. That's when I felt something: "Why don't I use the wood that grows in my backyard?" I started researching every possible bit of information I could find about Florida Pine Trees. I thought: “Are they edible?” Yes, they make pine nuts. "Is it hard enough?" Yes, they are about as hard as walnut. "Is it going to harbor bacteria?" No, the sap is a natural anti-bacterial. Every possible test I could think of, the wood passed. So, then the big test came. I made one! I still have my first one, which I use at every show for demonstrations, and I've made thousands since. The best thing is bringing joy to people's lives; they are happy to use one of my cutting boards and display them proudly. I've never had a customer come back to say something was wrong with their board. God has totally blessed me in so many ways.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Ryan Gray
Owner
Gray Owl Wood Works
352-342-3020
[email protected]
