For more than half a century, Odum Sales has stood as a model of resilience, innovation and family-driven leadership within the plumbing, waterworks and industrial distribution landscape. What began as one man’s vision in a modest cotton warehouse has grown into a multi-generational enterprise with deep roots across the Southeast—and an unwavering commitment to its partners, customers and industry.

A Vision That Sparked a Legacy

The Odum Sales story traces back to the early 1970s, when industry pioneer Larry Odum recognized an opportunity that others overlooked: representing manufacturers directly and selling to distributors with a focus on service, trust and long-term relationships. In 1972, he founded Odum Sales, operating from a 20-by-50-foot warehouse he described as “very humble” but fueled by an uncommon determination and a clear view of the industry’s future.

By 1975, the company had expanded into the plumbing wholesale and manufactured housing markets, enabling Larry to hire his first inside sales employee. A year later, he constructed the company’s first warehouse, signaling the steady growth that would define the decades ahead.

A Growing Family and a Growing Company

The 1980s brought new diversification and deeper family involvement. In 1982, Larry’s brother Sam Odum joined the business, helping lead Odum Sales into the wholesale hardware market. Their combined efforts soon outgrew their facilities and moved the company into a 45,000-square-foot building— an early milestone cementing Odum Sales as a rising regional force.

The family tradition continued into the 1990s:

• Hugh Collins (son-in-law) joined in 1993
• Mandy Odum FitzGerald (daughter) came aboard in 1994 as an outside sales representative

These additions strengthened the company’s leadership foundation and expanded its industry reach.

A major evolution came in 1999 when Odum Sales became the regional representative for Matco-Norca, a relationship that opened the door to the waterworks and irrigation markets. The later addition of SVF Flow Controls further diversified offerings into industrial valves and actuation. In 2019, the family legacy entered its third generation with the arrival of Brandon Collins, Larry’s grandson.

Built on Relationships, Driven by People

Today, Odum Sales is widely recognized as a relationship-focused, multi-generational company with more than 30 dedicated employees. Many team members have spent the majority of their careers with the company, which is a testament to its culture of loyalty, stability and shared purpose.

Odum Sales proudly serves key markets including:

• Plumbing
• Commercial and mechanical
• Industrial
• Waterworks and irrigation

Its territory spans Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and parts of Florida.

Product Strength Backed by Strategic Stocking

With extensive stocking warehouses in Americus, Georgia, Odum Sales supports a broad portfolio of leading domestic and international product lines. The Americus office also provides dedicated customer service, technical support and regional representation to IMARK members throughout the territory.

As proud IMARK participants, Odum Sales works closely with strategic, IMARK-approved suppliers to deliver trusted, competitively positioned solutions, including:

• Atkore Pipe
• Mill-Rose (Blue Monster)
• SVF Flow Controls

Operational Excellence and Industry Engagement

The company now operates nearly 200,000 square feet of warehouse space—85,000 square feet of which are dedicated exclusively to Matco-Norca and SVF Flow Control. For more than 25 years, its Southern Regional Distribution Center has delivered exceptional logistical efficiency, strategic inventory support and superior customer service throughout the region.

Odum Sales’ industry presence extends far beyond operations. Team members have held leadership roles across key associations, including:

• Chair of the Mechanical Products Council (MPC) for the Southern Wholesalers Association
• Long-time board service with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
• Membership in AIM/R and the newly joined Georgia Utilities Contractors Association (GUCA)

The company is also a committed supporter of industry education and workforce development, contributing to charitable programs and actively supporting the Hallway Plumbing Apprenticeship Program—a vital initiative amid a projected shortage of nearly 550,000 plumbers in the U.S. by 2027.

A Future Guided by Purpose and Partnership

With 53 years of proven experience, the Odum family and their dedicated team continue to strengthen their customer partnerships while expanding opportunities across the pipe, valves and fittings industry. Today’s marketing efforts remain rooted in what has always mattered most: customers, partnerships and people.

Odum Sales is more than a business. It is a family-built legacy grounded in hard work, loyalty and the belief that success is best achieved together. As the company looks toward the future, it does so with confidence, pride and a steadfast commitment to serving customers throughout the Southeast.

For more information, visit odumsales.com.