Employee Spotlight - Brandon O'Dea

Employee Spotlight: Brandon O'Dea – A Steady Force Behind the Scenes at Scotchman

At Scotchman, the people behind the machines are just as important as the machines themselves. This month, we’re proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on someone whose impact is felt across nearly every department: Brandon O’Dea, Director of Costing and Credit Manager. With responsibilities that span Costing, Accounts Receivable, and Machinery Finance through Scotchman Credit Corp., Brandon is the kind of colleague whose presence makes the workplace smarter, smoother, and undeniably more enjoyable.

Wearing Many Hats—and Making It Look Easy

Spend a day with Brandon, and you’ll quickly see just how integral he is to the daily rhythm of Scotchman. Whether he's teaming up with Marketing, Sales, problem-solving with IT, or working hand-in-hand with accounting to streamline processes, his schedule is anything but predictable.

“I work across multiple departments to ensure optimal efficiency,” he says. “I try to make myself available to all areas of the company.”

That wide-ranging support has made Brandon a go-to person for just about everything. His ability to calmly and quickly address challenges has earned him a solid reputation as both a problem-solver and a team player.

Thriving on the Unexpected

What motivates someone who juggles such a dynamic workload? For Brandon, it’s all about the challenge.

“I like to be challenged with new things,” he shares. “I never know what task or question will be thrown my way throughout the day, but I always look forward to working through new problems and finding solutions to help others.”

This mindset—open, curious, and unflinching in the face of change—is a cornerstone of Brandon’s leadership style.

Leading Change, Driving Progress

Of course, challenges come with the territory, especially when time is of the essence. “Finding fast solutions so others can keep doing their jobs can be tricky,” Brandon admits. But time and time again, he rises to the occasion.

One area where he’s made a measurable impact is in technology and process improvement. Over the years, Brandon has led several tech-driven initiatives aimed at optimizing how Scotchman operates. “Change can be painful at times, but it’s necessary for growth,” he reflects. And thanks to his vision and leadership, Scotchman continues to evolve with confidence.

Looking Ahead: A New Initiative

Currently, Brandon is spearheading the launch of Scotchman’s new online store, which will feature consumables and branded apparel—Scotchman gear. It’s a project that blends his strategic thinking with a customer-first approach, and he's excited about the possibilities.

“This will be another smooth, streamlined avenue for both revenue and customer experience,” he notes. True to form, Brandon is already deep in the details—ensuring everything functions as it should, for both the company and its customers.

Life Beyond Scotchman

When the workday ends, Brandon shifts his focus to what matters most: family. He and his wife Molly share three children—Quinn, Noah, and Jack—who keep life busy and fun.

A proud Northern State University graduate (Go Wolves!), Brandon holds a degree in Finance with a minor in Economics. Before joining Scotchman, he worked in Accounts Receivable at Harms Oil/Dakota Oil.

Quick Hits: Get to Know Brandon

• Who inspires you? My dad – the most honest and hard-working person I know.
• Dream job? One where I can continually grow and contribute in meaningful ways.
• Dream vacation? Anywhere with my wife and a few drinks in hand.
• First lottery purchase? A cabin deep in the woods to lay low.
• Superpower wish? To slow down time and get more moments with my kids.
• Favorite music? 70s and 90s jams—especially Fleetwood Mac.
• Most recent binge? Reacher
• Best thing about working at Scotchman? The brilliant people who care deeply about their roles—I learn something new every day.

Lightning Round: Either/Or

• Beach or Mountains? Mountains
• Pizza or Tacos? Tacos
• Beer or Wine? Wine
• Dogs or Cats? Dogs
• Summer or Winter? Summer
• Hotel or Camping? Camping
• Tea or Coffee? Tea
• Books or Video Games? Books
• iPhone or Android? Android
• Cake or Pie? Pie
• Muscle Car or Lifted Jeep? Muscle Car
• Dream Ride (according to his son)? Lamborghini

Final Thoughts

Brandon O'Dea embodies everything Scotchman values in a leader: intelligence, reliability, a collaborative spirit, and genuinely kind. He brings heart to his work, insight to every challenge, and purpose to every project.

We’re proud to call him a part of the Scotchman family. Thank you, Brandon, for your dedication, your leadership, and the laughter you bring along the way. Keep up the great work!