Business

Craig Steven O’Dear, The Story of an Athlete Becoming a High Profile Lawyer

Published

4 years ago

August 26, 2020

Being a lawyer is difficult. It is a huge responsibility since their arguments can determine the fate of large amounts of money, and who goes to jail or goes free. It requires dedication, hard work, and endless hours. Few have achieved the highest ranks of the profession, but Craig Steven O’Dear is among those few who have done so.

An American lawyer, Craig Steven O’Dear, is a corporate litigator and legal advisor who has managed to establish himself as one of the finest corporate trial lawyers in the country. Due to his passion and hard work, he has been consistently recognized for his efforts in The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers since 2006.

STORY OF AN ATHLETE

Born on June 26, 1957, in Northeast Missouri, Craig S. O’Dear is the son of H.C. O’Dear and Martha Lou O’Dear. His father was a farmer while his mother was a school teacher. He spent his childhood on a hog farm south of Lewistown, where he completed his high school education.

Craig was an accomplished athlete in high school. He was a prominent basketball player and track athlete and played quarterback on the first-ever Highland High School football team. His parents were very proud and kept records of his athletic years. His father drove him to play basketball with the Quincy Herald-Whig publisher’s kids on a YMCA team, beginning in the fourth grade, every Saturday.

When Craig was a student, the school only offered a basketball program, and there was no football program. Craig’s father was a member of the school board. He, along with other local leaders, decided to start a football program. Coach Pat Wozniak was hired as the first football coach.

Coach Wozniak formed the first football team of the school comprising the school’s star basketball players and farm boys who had never played organized sports. Wozniak led the team to a 9-0 record in their first year, acknowledging the efforts of the young and confident athlete, Craig O’Dear. The coach said, “Without the quarterback, that wouldn’t have been possible to have that record. That was a big, strong, smart kid.” He graduated from Highland High School in Ewing, Missouri.

Craig’s success in football, basketball, and track in high school landed him a football scholarship at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. O’Dear played football and ran track at the university while pursuing an engineering education. He graduated with an engineering degree in 1979.

Apart from having a stellar background in sports, his father paid for Craig’s flight lessons, and also encouraged him to learn to fly. As of today, Craig has been a private pilot for 30 years!

STORY OF A HIGH PROFILE LAWYER

Upon realizing that he had a keen interest in law, he skipped continuing the engineering field and attended Vanderbilt University Law School on scholarship. In 1982, he graduated with a law degree.

The same year he graduated, Craig went to Stinson Mag & Fizzell. He was recruited by David Everson, who praised Craig’s confidence. In a year, Craig was given the opportunity of defending Hallmark Cards Inc. and other defendants in the Hyatt Skywalk Collapse. Craig had to defend his clients against a $1.5 million claim of post-traumatic stress disorder from the opposing party. The trial gave Craig’s career the boost it needed, and he had successfully started paving his way to a thriving career.

1988 brought Craig to a law firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where he became a partner in 1990. Craig supported the non-profit organization that exonerates wrongfully convicted people, the Midwest Innocence Project, where he has been serving on the advisory board.

Mr. O’Dear’s accomplishments have been recognized in many publications. He was recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal as “Best of the Bar” in business and product liability litigation multiple times. He was also featured in the ‘Best Lawyers in America,’ Chambers USA, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyer numerous times since 2006. Benchmark Litigation, named Craig, a ‘Missouri Litigation Star’ and the Lawdragon magazine named O’Dear, one of the Top 500 Leading Litigators in America in 2006.

In January 2018, Craig ran for Senate against Democrat incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill. He stood in the elections as an independent candidate, and a part of a Denver-based national movement of independents called Unite America and refused to caucus with either party if he would be elected. Even though O’Dear lost the election, he gained recognition by various notable personalities as an American politician because of his determination.

Today, Craig S. O’Dear lives with his family, his wife, Stephanie, in Kansas City. They have three children, daughter Sydney, and sons Cullen and Cormac.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.