From Marine to Master Craftsman: How Matthew Baxter Built Baxter’s Boards Into Oklahoma’s Premier Custom Woodworking Business

 

Oklahoma’s Premier Custom Woodworking Business

In the heart of Bixby, Oklahoma, just south of Tulsa, Matthew Baxter has transformed a simple hobby into a thriving custom woodworking business that’s redefining what it means to create quality kitchen essentials. As the owner of Baxter’s Boards, Matthew specializes in crafting custom cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and other premium kitchen utensils that combine superior craftsmanship with affordable pricing.

 

A Journey Rooted in Service and Faith

Matthew’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t conventional. After serving four years in the Marine Corps, where he honed his skills working with his hands, he transitioned into sales roles before discovering his true calling in woodworking. “It started out as a hobby, something to do just to kind of kill the time,” Matthew explains. “I worked with my hands in various aspects growing up and then while I was in the Marine Corps, so it was just something to do that I figured I could do as good if not better than other people.”

What began as weekend tinkering in his garage has evolved over the past five years into Baxter’s Boards, a business that serves customers both locally and nationwide. Matthew’s approach to business is deeply influenced by his faith, which has grown stronger over the past seven years. “My relationship with Christ has shaped my worldview of both interpersonal relationships and business relationships,” he shares, reflecting the values that guide every aspect of his work.

 

Craftsmanship That Sets the Standard

What makes Baxter’s Boards stand out in a crowded marketplace? The answer lies in Matthew’s commitment to customization, quality, and value. Unlike mass-produced alternatives found in big-box stores, every piece from Baxter’s Boards is tailored to the customer’s specific needs and preferences.

“The ability to customize for size and species of wood you want, instead of just buying an off-the-shelf cutting board, we can custom make them to any particular size you want,” Matthew explains. This personalized approach extends to most shapes and add-ons, ensuring that each piece is as unique as the customer who orders it.

The quality difference is evident in the construction. Matthew specializes in end grain cutting boards, widely recognized as the best wooden cutting boards available. These premium boards, which typically command high prices at upscale retailers like Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel, are offered by Baxter’s Boards at prices comparable to basic edge grain or face grain alternatives found elsewhere.

 

Health-Conscious Craftsmanship

In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about chemicals and synthetic materials in their kitchens, Baxter’s Boards offers a refreshing alternative. Matthew takes pride in creating products free from forever chemicals and microplastics, providing customers with genuinely healthier options for food preparation.

“I’m not using any forever chemicals or microplastics in my products, so it’s a healthier option,” Matthew emphasizes. This commitment to natural materials, combined with his expertise in selecting the right wood species for each application, ensures that customers receive products that are both beautiful and safe for their families.

 

Serving the Community and Beyond

Matthew’s customer base reflects his understanding of who values quality craftsmanship. His ideal customers are cooking enthusiasts, primarily women in their thirties and up, who appreciate better quality products without the premium price tag. “Somebody who enjoys cooking and wants better quality products without breaking the bank,” he describes.

Operating from his home workshop in Bixby, Matthew serves customers through multiple channels. While he ships nationwide, he maintains strong local roots through partnerships with area artist cooperatives, where customers can see and purchase smaller items in person. For larger, custom projects, he focuses primarily on the local market, providing personalized service and direct customer interaction.

 

Supporting Those Who Serve

Matthew’s military background influences more than just his work ethic; it shapes his commitment to giving back to the community. He offers a 15% discount to veterans, first responders, and teachers, recognizing the service these groups provide to society. Additionally, he actively supports the Mighty Oaks programs (mightyoaksprograms.org), a faith-based recovery and brotherhood organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders.

This commitment to service extends to his business practices, where he approaches every customer interaction with the integrity and attention to detail that defined his military service.

 

Life in Bixby: Small Town Values, Big City Access

For Matthew, Bixby represents the perfect balance between small-town atmosphere and accessibility to urban amenities. “It’s a smaller town, so small-town atmosphere. It’s close to the major shopping areas or things that you might need, but without as much traffic as you would have in Tulsa,” he explains.

This location allows him to maintain the personal touch that defines his business while still accessing the resources needed for his craft. He sources his materials locally through a nearby Woodcraft store, taking raw wood and transforming it into the custom pieces his customers envision.

 

A Family-Centered Approach

As a married father of four children ages 5, 9, 11, and 12, Matthew understands the importance of creating products that enhance family life. His cutting boards and charcuterie boards aren’t just functional tools; they’re conversation pieces that bring families together around shared meals and special occasions.

When he’s not crafting in his workshop, Matthew enjoys reading and hiking, activities that reflect his appreciation for both learning and the natural world that provides the raw materials for his craft.

 

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Matthew envisions expanding Baxter’s Boards beyond his current garage workshop setup. His five-year goal includes establishing a dedicated workspace combined with a storefront, where customers can experience his craftsmanship firsthand rather than relying solely on photographs.

“Being able to have a dedicated space for the work, as well as a storefront, as opposed to just relying on pictures would be nice,” Matthew shares. This expansion would allow him to showcase the full range of his capabilities while maintaining the personal touch that defines the Baxter’s Boards experience.

 

Excellence in Every Grain

Matthew Baxter’s journey from Marine Corps service member to master craftsman exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. Through Baxter’s Boards, he’s created more than just a business; he’s established a legacy of quality, service, and integrity that resonates with customers across Oklahoma and beyond.

In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and synthetic materials, Baxter’s Boards stands as a testament to the enduring value of handcrafted excellence. Each cutting board, charcuterie board, and custom piece represents not just functional artistry, but a commitment to quality that reflects Matthew’s military precision, faith-driven values, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

 

Ready to experience the Baxter’s Boards difference? Contact Matthew today to discuss your custom woodworking needs. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cutting board for your kitchen or a stunning charcuterie board for entertaining, Baxter’s Boards delivers quality craftsmanship at prices that won’t break the bank.

Visit www.baxtersboards.com, call 918-409-0597, or email info@baxtersboards.com. Follow Baxter’s Boards on Facebook and Instagram @baxtersboards to see the latest creations and special offers.

Veterans, first responders, and teachers receive 15% off all orders. Mention this article for an exclusive 15% discount on your first purchase.

8509 E 126th St S, Bixby, OK

Website: www.baxtersboards.com

Phone: 918-409-0597

Email: info@baxtersboards.com

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram