The Ogonek Custom Hardwoods Story
On a late-winter morning, Dan Ogonek and his father, Dr. Joseph Ogonek, arrive at Joe’s tree farm in East-Central Ohio. Recent snow clings to branches overhead. Despite the cold and the day of work ahead, both exhale with satisfaction. This is where they love to be.
Purchased in 1971, the land represents cherished memories for the Ogonek family. The eleven children of Joe and Maryanna Ogonek enjoyed time spent there camping, playing, and planting trees, working together to achieve American Tree Farm System Certification since 1975. The story of Ogonek Custom Hardwoods begins here, growing out of a family’s love for a place that represents much more than an investment.
Noticing 10 acres of white pine seedlings planted by the previous owner, the family began researching tree farming and working on timber-stand improvements. A forestry inspector recommended taking down some trees to correct a heavy wood load. Reluctant to cut walnut logs into firewood, Joe bought the family’s first portable sawmill in 1985. Over the years, five of the Ogonek kids have at some point worked with the sawmill, either during school breaks to earn money or as a primary occupation. Since 1998, son Dan has been President and Owner.
In 2001, Dan met Roman Troyer, Jr., a master timber framer who inspired the evolution of Ogonek Custom Hardwoods into a custom timber frame construction and sawmill business specializing in beams and timbers. Roman remained a muse, mentor and friend until his passing in 2021.
A History major in college, Dan has always valued longevity, durability, and tradition. Timber framing represents all three. As a construction method, timber framing has been used for millennia throughout the world, and structures still stand that are hundreds of years old. Dan appreciates the idea that the structures he and his team are building can serve families for generations.
Today, Ogonek Custom Hardwoods, now also doing business as Ogonek Custom Timber Frames, employs a team of experienced and blossoming craftsmen and all-around good people to build beautiful structures that will last. We offer a wide variety of products including timber frames and trusses of any size and design, functional and decorative beams and timbers in custom sizes, custom-cut lumber and millwork. All cut from locally-sourced, responsibly-harvested native northeastern Ohio trees.
Our customers appreciate the aesthetics, craftsmanship, durability, and sustainability of our products. If you do too, contact us today to get started on your next project!
