Jason Odom serves as the membership chair of the North Business Council of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. He is also one of four partners in the law firm North Florida Lawyers PLLC. Odom has a varied background that includes service in the Army National Guard and a stint as a train engineer for CSX. After an injury on the job that made it impossible for him to return to this work, he decided to go to law school since he had always liked helping people. In 2012, he graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law, where he graduated with Pro Bono honors. He worked for the Harrell and Harrell law firm and then had the opportunity to work with some of his best friends when together they founded North Florida Lawyers.

Q: What types of law do you practice?
A: I practice family law, business litigation, criminal defense and I am also an accredited veterans attorney. I teach the Veterans Benefits Clinic and the Sealed and Expungement Clinic at the Florida Coastal School of Law.

Q: How did you become interested in veterans law?
A: I am a veteran and I like to give back. I feel the veteran community is underserved and I like being in a position to help.

Q: What is your biggest challenge as a business owner?
A: Probably saying “no.” I like to help people and I will spread myself too thin. While I will always get everything done that I promise, it’s sometimes to my personal detriment.

Q: What are your long term goals?
A: I would like to focus more on business litigation and attract more clients for general counsel work. We would also like to open a stand alone office in St. Johns County and hire a few more attorneys for the firm.

Q: What do you do at the North Business Council?
A: As membership chair, when new people show up, I reach out and see if there is anything I can do to help them grow their business in the community. Sometimes we go to coffee and I can explain the benefits of belonging to the North Business Council. I’m the self-appointed door man — I like to greet everyone and make them feel comfortable.

Q: What is the best thing about being a part of the North Business Council?
A: Networking is important in everyone’s business. The North Business Council offers a great opportunity to network with like minded small business owners that you get to know and trust. I like to try to build relationships. Sometimes it doesn’t work out for business, but I’ve made some great friends. Plus, it’s nice to get out of the office for a little bit!

The North Business Council meets the third Tuesday of each month at 8 a.m. at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek. Visit www.sjcchamber.com for more information.

Photo courtesy Jason Odom

Jason Odom