We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Valerie O’dell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
The legacy I hope to build is one that reflects my values as a Christian, a builder, a wife, and a mother. In my career as a builder of high-end, luxury custom homes, I want to be remembered for the quality and craftsmanship of the homes I create—homes that are not only stunning in design but strong in their construction. I want people to look at the homes I’ve built and say, “Valerie O’Dell built this. It’s not only beautiful, but it will last for generations.”
In an industry where shortcuts are sometimes tempting, I’ve always prioritized doing things the right way. I want my legacy to be one where people can say, “She built homes with integrity and skill, with a commitment to quality that sets her apart.” That’s incredibly important to me—knowing that my work speaks for itself in terms of durability, elegance, and attention to detail.
On a personal level, I want to set a strong example for my children, showing them that success isn’t just measured in financial terms, but in the way we live out our values. Hard work, honesty, integrity, and grit are the cornerstones of everything I do. These are the qualities I want them to see in me, and I hope they will carry them forward into their own lives.
Beyond my professional accomplishments, I want to be remembered as a good friend, a devoted wife, and a loving mother. Construction is an incredibly demanding career, and it’s often a challenge to balance work with family life. But I strive to be someone who can excel in both worlds—being present for my family, building strong relationships, and making time for the people who matter most.
I want to be known as someone who walked faithfully in her Christian values. The construction industry can sometimes be a tough environment, and it’s easy for the pressure and demands of the job to create a more toxic atmosphere. But I want to be remembered for not letting that change how I treat others. I aim to be someone who reflects kindness, fairness, and respect, no matter what challenges the day brings.
I hope my legacy will be one that includes both the homes I build and the way I build relationships—with integrity, grace, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. I want to be remembered as a builder of not just structures, but of trust and lasting connections.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I specialize in luxury single-family home new construction, overseeing a handful of projects at upwards of $20 million at any given time. My role involves coordinating all aspects of construction from preconstruction through the build process to completion. This involves being the liaison between all architects, engineers, design firms, and subcontractors on the project to ensure seamless execution from start to finish.
I am known for my relentless drive to create a quality product, exceptional communication skills, and keen attention to detail. I specialize in managing luxury single-family home construction projects, ensuring that my clients’ visions are brought to life with precision and care.
What sets me apart is my exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. I believe in the power of collaboration and positivity to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results. My commitment to never cutting corners and my relentless pursuit of excellence distinguishes me in the industry.
I am most proud of my reputation for simultaneously providing excellence and honesty. I take great pride in delivering high-quality projects and exceeding my client’s expectations. My brand is synonymous with reliability, professionalism, and a relentless dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes.
We recently made the decision to rebrand our company to Elite Living Builders. As we’ve grown and evolved over the years, we’ve realized that our business was moving beyond simply building custom homes—we’re building dream lifestyles. Our goal has always been to create exceptional, high-end homes that not only meet the needs of our clients but exceed their expectations in every way.
The rebranding to Elite Living Builders reflects that shift in focus. We wanted a name that speaks to the luxury, sophistication, and unparalleled quality of the homes we build, as well as the elevated living experiences we create for our clients. The word “Elite” encapsulates the high standards of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and excellence that we bring to every project. “Living” highlights the way we go beyond the physical structure of a home to create spaces that truly enhance the way people live and experience their surroundings.
As we look to the future, we want to position ourselves as leaders in the luxury custom homebuilding industry, known not only for our craftsmanship but for our commitment to building relationships with our clients. We felt that the name Elite Living Builders was a more fitting representation of where we are headed and the level of service and quality we consistently deliver.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn in my career as a builder is the importance of unlearning some of the traditional norms of the construction industry. Early on, I was immersed in the typical “tough” environment that many associate with construction—a rough, no-nonsense atmosphere where hard conversations and a certain level of toughness were often seen as a necessary part of the job. While I understand that there’s a time and place for directness, I quickly realized that this approach wasn’t always the most effective in building lasting relationships or in getting the results I wanted.
As I grew in my career, I learned that being kind and treating people with respect can actually get you much further than trying to force things with tough, aggressive conversations. I came to realize that a more thoughtful, patient approach often leads to better collaboration, quicker responses, and a more positive working environment overall.
It’s been an important shift—not just for me, but for the team I’ve built around me. I now make a point of teaching others that fostering a culture of kindness, patience, and respect can produce far better results than the more combative atmosphere that sometimes dominates the construction industry. People respond better when they feel valued and heard, and I’ve found that when I approach challenges with understanding and calm, it leads to more effective solutions and stronger, more productive relationships with everyone involved.
In a field like ours, where teamwork and collaboration are essential to success, I believe it’s important to set the tone by being a leader who practices and encourages kindness. I’ve seen firsthand that when we take a step back and treat others well, not only do we create a more positive atmosphere, but we also build stronger, more responsive partnerships that ultimately benefit the project as a whole.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in my career came when I realized I had hit my ceiling at several companies I had worked for as an employee. I had been moving up the ladder, taking on more responsibility, and learning a great deal along the way, but there was always this nagging feeling that I was made for more. I knew I had the drive, the vision, and the skills to build something bigger, but I kept waiting for the “right time” to make a leap of faith. I found myself in a position where I could either continue following the established path as an employee, or I could finally take the risk and pursue something I was truly passionate about—running my own company.
After some reflection, I realized that staying in my comfort zone wasn’t going to lead me to the level of fulfillment I was seeking. I had to acknowledge my own value—what I knew I was capable of—and stop waiting for permission to take the next step. I decided it was time to pivot and start my own building company. Once I made that decision, everything seemed to fall into place. The connections, the opportunities, and the drive to succeed all aligned in a way that reinforced I was on the right path.
Starting my own business wasn’t easy, of course, but leaning into my passion for building and my desire to create something of my own has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the chance to not only take control of my career, but also to design the kind of business I want to run—one that values quality, relationships, and integrity.
That pivot taught me the importance of listening to myself and trusting my instincts. Sometimes, waiting for the “perfect” time only keeps you stuck. I learned that trusting the process and having faith in my own abilities were the keys to unlocking new levels of success and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elitelivingbuilders.com
- Instagram: elitelivingbuilders
Image Credits
Living Proof Photography, Tina Blanco Photography