MY FAYETTE STORY . . .
On Father’s Day, 1970, the Oddo Family arrived in Fayetteville, at what came to be known as Storybook Acres. Dad and I led the way in our 1966 Chrysler New Yorker which to this day makes appearances in our local parades. The need to grow our family publishing business brought us to Fayette. The welcoming spirit of the community keeps us in Fayette.
At the time, the population of Fayette County barely exceeded 11,000 people! Highway 85 was a two lane road. Fayette County High School was the only high school. And it seemed like most folks were on a first-name, handshake, basis . . . even our public officials! My how times have changed.
In 1973, after much hard work, the support of my parents who imparted to me their love of learning, and a lot of help from the Good Lord above, I was fortunate to graduate from Fayette County High School as my class valedictorian, a humbling honor among many worthy classmates.
At the time, the population of Fayette County barely exceeded 11,000 people! Highway 85 was a two lane road. Fayette County High School was the only high school. And it seemed like most folks were on a first-name, handshake, basis . . . even our public officials! My how times have changed.
In 1973, after much hard work, the support of my parents who imparted to me their love of learning, and a lot of help from the Good Lord above, I was fortunate to graduate from Fayette County High School as my class valedictorian, a humbling honor among many worthy classmates.
Then it was on to Georgia State University where I presided as Vice-President and later, President, of Blue Key Honor Fraternity. I held presiding positions in Pi Sigma Epsilon, a professional marketing fraternity, and Golden Key Honor Fraternity. I received my BBA cum laude and subsequently found myself in a position with NCR Corporation . . . but not the Peachtree City office. Instead, I commuted early, each and every morning to the Atlanta office which was located on North Druid Hills Road.
But the entrepreneurial spirit was in my genes, and I soon returned to the family publishing business where two of our children’s books were honored with prestigious awards for patriotism (Uncle Sam and the Flag and Bobby Bear and Uncle Sam’s Riddle).
My family and I later simultaneously operated Oddo Publishing, Oddo Brothers CPAs, raised cattle and cultivated Christmas trees.
In 1995, we added GTO’s Fabulous 50’s Drive-in Restaurant to our family of enterprises. GTO’s remembered fondly by many locals for its one-pound hamburgers, great milkshakes, and classic car shows, is now the home of Starbuck’s on Fayetteville’s south side.
But the entrepreneurial spirit was in my genes, and I soon returned to the family publishing business where two of our children’s books were honored with prestigious awards for patriotism (Uncle Sam and the Flag and Bobby Bear and Uncle Sam’s Riddle).
My family and I later simultaneously operated Oddo Publishing, Oddo Brothers CPAs, raised cattle and cultivated Christmas trees.
In 1995, we added GTO’s Fabulous 50’s Drive-in Restaurant to our family of enterprises. GTO’s remembered fondly by many locals for its one-pound hamburgers, great milkshakes, and classic car shows, is now the home of Starbuck’s on Fayetteville’s south side.
While managing GTO’s, my beautiful, Colombian wife-to-be entered my life. Upon her graduation from the University Autónoma de Occidente with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, we wed. Now Pily, my lovely wife of 22 years, is proud to also be an American citizen.
Could it get any better?
Well, yes!
Our anniversary is the 4th of July!
Today, our family’s primary focus is Oddo Brothers, CPAs. Located in Fayetteville since 1979, we opened an Atlanta location in 2011. At one or the other, you’ll often find the midnight oil burning.
Could it get any better?
Well, yes!
Our anniversary is the 4th of July!
Today, our family’s primary focus is Oddo Brothers, CPAs. Located in Fayetteville since 1979, we opened an Atlanta location in 2011. At one or the other, you’ll often find the midnight oil burning.
|
|
In 2012, I had the distinct honor of being elected to my first term as a Fayette County Commissioner, and the honor of being re-elected since by all registered voters in Fayette County. I have at various times been Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Currently I serve as the District 5 At-Large Commissioner on the Board of Commissioners. I believe in educations and have participated in numerous continuing education courses to enhance the skills I bring to public office to serve our citizens.
I have represented Fayette County on the Atlanta Regional Commission board and its various committees, and have also served on the Hospital Authority Board.
I had the honor of helping revise the County’s Ethics Ordinance, helped create a landmark agreement between Peachtree City and Fayette County on Lake Peachtree, and helped resolve the District Voting lawsuit and preserve one At-Large Commissioner District, which is District 5, my district, in which all registered voters are eligible to vote.
We’ve seen many changes over the 54 years we have called Fayette our home. What has not changed is our love for this community.
Currently I serve as the District 5 At-Large Commissioner on the Board of Commissioners. I believe in educations and have participated in numerous continuing education courses to enhance the skills I bring to public office to serve our citizens.
I have represented Fayette County on the Atlanta Regional Commission board and its various committees, and have also served on the Hospital Authority Board.
I had the honor of helping revise the County’s Ethics Ordinance, helped create a landmark agreement between Peachtree City and Fayette County on Lake Peachtree, and helped resolve the District Voting lawsuit and preserve one At-Large Commissioner District, which is District 5, my district, in which all registered voters are eligible to vote.
We’ve seen many changes over the 54 years we have called Fayette our home. What has not changed is our love for this community.