Talking with Mike and Jody O’Dell, it doesn’t take long to realize that they thrive on challenges—and there’s little they can’t do. This is a couple who has literally done everything: certified rug-hooking enthusiast, business owners, interior designer, tool and die maker, electrical engineer, Marine (Presidential Helicopter Squadron for Ronald Reagan), electrician, parents, lineman, car test driver, seamstress, tax accountant—and accomplished vintage camper restorers. And that’s just scratching the surface.
Their journey into vintage trailers started in an unusual way. While spending countless weekends in the car waiting for Mike during his bike races, Jody mused that a little trailer might make those long waits more comfortable. Mike agreed, and soon they were on the hunt. Jody found a 1946 Curtis Wright—but it was a total wreck. She admits she learned much of the restoration process by “doing it wrong the first time.” The trailer required a complete rebuild, including welding the frame and replacing the springs. Despite the challenges, the O’Dells persevered and discovered not only a love for their “new-old” trailer but also for the community that comes with the hobby.
At Modernism Week in Palm Springs in 2014, the couple spotted a Holiday House. Mike casually mentioned that he’d like a trailer tall enough to stand in—and if they ever found a Holiday House, he wouldn’t mind owning another. That was all the encouragement Jody needed. She went searching and soon stumbled on a peculiar eBay listing: “Holiday House Lug Nuts.” Unsure if they were even buying a whole trailer, they took a leap of faith and made the purchase.
Retrieving the trailer turned into an adventure of its own. Jody and Tim Brown set out, only to encounter isolated backroads, suspicious sellers, deer racks, marijuana plants, and even dog bites before finally securing the trailer. On the return trip, they discovered that one of the wheels was about to fall off. After replacing it, they delivered the Holiday House safely to Tim and Linda Brown’s shop, where it would spend the next year under restoration.
With the Browns’ expertise and countless hours of their own hard work, the O’Dells transformed the Holiday House into something truly special. Jody’s interior design background guided the project—she had a clear vision and meticulously sourced materials to bring it to life. One standout detail is the bold orange backsplash, crafted from a specialty plastic shipped from the UK
Mike and Jody O’Dell embody what it means to live a life dedicated to learning, doing, and creating. Whatever challenge they take on next, there’s no doubt they’ll meet it head-on—and succeed.
