For Janell Odom, joining Fratco was more than a career move—it was a homecoming. A native of the Francesville area and graduate of West Central High School, Janell returned to her roots after building a career in quality and manufacturing leadership. With degrees from Indiana State, Purdue and a master’s from Notre Dame, she brings a strong foundation in chemistry, physics and lean manufacturing to her role as Plant Manager.
At Francesville, Janell oversees all aspects of plant operations, from production to process improvement. But no two days look the same. “One day, I might be reviewing overnight data, the next, I’m picking up a hammer to help with maintenance. I love that every day brings something new,” she says.
Janell’s scientific background gives her a unique perspective on pipe production. She’s especially interested in how material chemistry impacts performance. That curiosity recently came into play when she was pulled into an issue and helped break down the problem from both a chemical and process standpoint. “It was a chance to learn and contribute—and I appreciated being trusted so early on.”
Having spent much of her career in corporate environments, Janell values Fratco’s close-knit culture.
At Fratco, people take the time to teach and share their knowledge. That level of support is something you don’t always find.
She also resonates with Fratco’s focus on quality and forward-thinking. “Some companies treat quality as a checkbox. Here, it’s a requirement. And there’s a real commitment to innovation—even with a smaller team, Fratco is constantly moving forward.”
Outside of work, Janell and her husband run a small micro-farm, growing vegetables and raising chickens to help provide food for local families. With a six-month-old and a teenager at home, life is busy but fulfilling.
When asked what advice she’d give to someone considering a role at Fratco, Janell doesn’t hesitate. “If you like to learn, grow and be part of a team that values doing things the right way, this is the place for you.”
