This month’s Leadership Spotlight features Art Odom, President of David Allen Company, who has been with the company for more than three decades. His story reflects what makes this company unique: a people-first culture, unwavering integrity, and a vision for the future.
A Journey Built on Integrity and Mentorship
Art’s career with David Allen Company began over 30 years ago, when he joined as CFO. From day one, he felt the difference in how the company operated. “It’s not really a family business,” he explains, “but if you work hard, you can grow here and be part of the family.”
Mentorship played a defining role in Art’s journey. He credits Robert Roberson as his most significant mentor, who guided him with wisdom and set the standard for leadership that he still follows today. He also recalls working alongside leaders like Don Scott, who once ordered a hotel installation to be completely redone, at David Allen Company’s expense, because it didn’t meet the company’s standards. “That moment proved to me what I’d been telling people all along: our integrity isn’t just words, it’s who we are.”
A People-First Culture
For Art, the greatest source of pride is the people who make David Allen Company what it is. Walking the hallways, he notices teamwork, camaraderie, and open communication in action. “That’s what we were hoping to have, and it gives me pride every day.”
David Allen Company’s mission statement commits to treating every employee with dignity and respect, something Art takes seriously. “We invest in people before results,” he says. That philosophy has led many employees to stay for decades, and in some cases, to leave and later return because of the culture they missed.
Faith, Ethics, and Character
The foundation of David Allen Company has never wavered: faith, ethics, integrity, and craftsmanship. Art explains it simply: “The one thing people can’t take from you is your character. Only you can take that away from yourself.”
This belief has shaped our reputation nationwide. Clients know that if David Allen Company makes a promise, it will be kept, and that the work will reflect the highest standards, even when margins are tight.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
While rooted in long-standing values, David Allen Company is not afraid to innovate. The company has embraced technology, from early adoption of digital tools to investing in education and training. Employees regularly attend industry workshops, receive tuition assistance, and bring fresh ideas back to the team.
Art sees this as essential: “We don’t like to be bleeding edge, but we like to be cutting edge. The vision we have is for young people to lead. Their ideas are what will carry us into the next century.”
A Vision That Lasts
For Art, the terrazzo lobby at our headquarters holds special meaning. The floor tells the company’s story, and the wall above bears the proverb: “Without vision, the people perish.”
“Every time I walk through those doors, I stop and ask myself: do we have a vision for tomorrow? Are we staying true to what makes us who we are?”
Looking Ahead
Under Art’s leadership, David Allen Company continues to grow while holding fast to the values that have guided it for decades. What has never changed is the company’s commitment to God, people, character, and quality.
“Everything fades eventually, the materials, the projects, but what lasts is integrity,” Art reflects. “That’s the legacy we want to leave behind.”