Meet Adrienne Dowdy Odum

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrienne Dowdy Odum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adrienne, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is rooted in the example set by my mother. As a single parent of four, perseverance was second nature to her-giving up was simply not an option. She dedicated over 30 years of service to the Walton County Health Department, where she earned a reputation for her tireless work ethic and unshakeable dedication.
From an early age, I witnessed her unwavering commitment to her kids, her parents and her community. Maneuvering through life with very minimal resources. Her strength was quiet but powerful.
Even after becoming a disabled amputee, her strength and will power spoke volumes. Each day, she faced her circumstances with incredible grace and tenacity, refusing to let her physical challenges define her. Until she took her final breathe, she remained steadfast and determined.
If I can be half of the woman, she was then today I can make it through any adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire me every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I began my career with Thompson Walton Associates in February 1993 as a Property Manager. In April 1997, I obtained my real estate license, in 2001, I obtained my Associates Brokers license and 2003 I became the Broker and Owner of Thompson Walton Associates, and from that moment forward, my mission has been to guide tenants toward the path of homeownership.

At Thompson Walton Associates, we’ve always believed that no title takes precedence over another. We have always taken great pride in treating every client with the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect—regardless of whether they’re paying $200 or $2,000 in rent. Our philosophy is simple: everyone deserves to be supported, empowered, and given a fair opportunity to build a better future through ownership. We see ourselves not just as agents, but as tour guides on the journey to homeownership.

Inspired by my grandfather, who could not read nor write but who worked and lived as a sharecropper on land he did not own, I understood early in life the profound importance of owning something of your own. At this property there was no running water, no indoor plumbing and minimum electricity but my grandparents had a dream. A dream to become more for not only themselves, but more for their grandchildren. At the age of six they purchased their first home, and this property still remains in our family on today. Reaching that milestone doesn’t require much—just the right support, belief and determination.

Now, with 28 years of experience as a licensed Real Estate Broker, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless clients realize their dreams: assisting buyers in purchasing their first homes, guiding sellers through successful relocations, guiding executors as they finalize trusts, and helping investors expand their portfolio. I pride myself on the knowledge I’ve gained, the lessons I’m still learning, and the wisdom I’ve passed on over the years.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Throughout my career as a Realtor, three core principles have defined not only my professional success but also the trust and relationships I’ve built along the way: integrity, compassion, and philanthropy. These aren’t just values I believe in—they’re the lens through which I view every interaction, transaction, and community connection.
Integrity: The Beginning of Client Trust
Real estate is built on relationships—and relationships are built on trust. Integrity means being transparent with clients, even when it wasn’t convenient. You must always do what’s right even when people aren’t looking. Whether disclosing crucial property details, navigating complex negotiations, or advising clients honestly even if it meant losing a sale, I stayed committed to doing the right thing. That consistency earned long-term loyalty and referrals, more than any marketing strategy ever could produce.
Compassion: Seeing Beyond Transactions
Behind every sale or purchase is a life story. Some clients were buying their first home, others downsizing after a loss, and many navigating major transitions. Compassion helped me listen deeply, respond gently, and advocate fiercely for what mattered to them. I didn’t just close deals—I helped people feel heard, supported, and empowered in moments that often felt stressful or uncertain. Being a voice for the voiceless, support for the oppressed and power for the powerless.
Philanthropy: Building Community by Giving Back
I believe a Realtor’s impact doesn’t end at the closing table. Through local volunteer work, advocating, and charitable giving, I found ways to give back to the neighborhoods I served. Philanthropy enriched my work—it reminded me that success in real estate isn’t just about profit, it’s about people. It’s about helping families thrive and communities flourish because small acts of giving can have very large effects. Philanthropy reminded me that we rise by lifting others.
My Moma taught me three things in life:
1. In order to be trusted you must show people that you are a trustworthy person.
2. Look, Listen and Don’t Judge
3. What you give will always come back, if it’s given from the heart.
Follow these and Success will follow YOU!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

First and foremost, God, the Most High has been my ultimate source of strength, wisdom, and guidance. In my real estate journey faith isn’t just a belief, it’s the core of my resilience, being, and purpose. Through every challenge, failure and celebration in my real estate career, God’s love was the one constant that never wavered. He never took his hand off of me. It was through prayer, reflection, and spiritual grounding that I found the courage to act with integrity, the compassion to serve others meaningfully, and the generosity to give back through philanthropy. When circumstances tested me or the path seemed rocky, I leaned on divine wisdom—not only to overcome obstacles, but to become a better version of myself. My success isn’t measured solely by transactions or milestones, but by the grace, faith, and purpose God breathed into me every day.
In alignment with God’s divine plan for my life and career, He placed two remarkable individuals on my path—Suzanne Thompson and Shelia Hughey. Their presence was not coincidental but intentional, serving as vessels through which God guided, equipped, and made me into the women I am today. At just 20 years old, during a time when my future felt uncertain and hope seemed gone, Suzanne Thompson took a chance on me. Out of dozens of applicants, she chose me—and I believe wholeheartedly that it was God’s quiet voice that moved her heart in my direction. Her decision became the turning point that shaped not just my professional path, but my personal growth. Suzanne didn’t just hire me—she invested in me. With unwavering patience and grace, she became a daily source of knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement. She committed to sharing all that she knew, mentoring me in areas such as:
The value of homeownership and generational wealth
The importance of creditworthiness and financial responsibility
The power and possibility of leading a female-owned corporation
Foundational customer service principles, professional etiquette, and entrepreneurial thinking; Just to name a few…….
Her guidance extended far beyond business. Suzanne taught me life skills that transformed my mindset, enriched my knowledge, and equipped me with the tools to lead with honesty, confidence, and power.
Once I obtained my Real Estate license God also placed Sheila Hughey in my life—a loan officer whose generosity and depth of knowledge laid the essential foundation for my career. At a time when few were willing to invest in a new agent, Sheila stepped in and devoted herself to my development, equipping me with an education far beyond the limits of any classroom. Her commitment and loyalty were extraordinary. Sheila spent countless hours mentoring me one-on-one—breaking down the intricacies of the mortgage industry in ways that were clear, practical, and empowering. She poured into me her expertise on topics like:
Mortgage structures and processes
Interest rates and discount points
Credit scores and financial readiness
Debt-to-income and qualifying ratios; Just to name a few….
She didn’t just teach me—she shaped my confidence, enhanced my understanding of lending, and positioned me to serve clients with knowledge and excellence. Before Sheila’s retirement, we closed a wide range of transactions together. Some were challenging, others effortless, but each one was unforgettable—not just for the success they brought, but for the wisdom and care she invested along the way. Not only was she my preferred Loan Officer, but she was also my dear friend. Her hard work for not only me but my clients helped me to accomplish many milestones in my Real Estate career. She truly is a testament to what happens when someone chooses to give generously and guide patiently. I’m forever grateful for the time, energy, and heart Sheila poured into me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adriennedowdy.georgiamls.com/
• Instagram: Adrienne Odum
• Facebook: Adrienne Dowdy
• Linkedin: Adrienne Dowdy
• Other: TikTok: Thompson Walton Associates