John O'Donnell is founder of johhnie-O, an emerging apparel and lifestyle brand that merges the casual West Coast style with the refined East Coast feel. The resulting "West Coast preppy" look is the innovative style that johnnie-O brings to the marketplace.

O'Donnell was born in St. Louis, but spent most of his childhood being raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago with his six brothers and sisters, including his most famous sibling, actor Chris O'Donnell.

An avid golfer since age 12, O'Donnell played on the golf team at UCLA, where he majored in history and business. O'Donnell emerged from the collegiate ranks as a competitive amateur golfer, participating in five USGA events, including two U.S. Amateur championships. He also played in The World Club Championships in Korea, The Unibank Open in Rio de Janeiro, and a slew of club tournaments and invitationals.

In addition to his sporting pursuits, O'Donnell recognized a knack for business while selling radio advertising in Madison, WI. From there he took a television advertising role with Fox Sports Net Chicago before returning to the California sun by way of the Golf Channel's Los Angeles office. He then spent seven years selling financial printing services for Merrill Corporation.

Known as johnnie-O to friends, the idea for the apparel line started in 2005 while helping a buddy with a hobby. O'Donnell quickly recognized a potential business opportunity in design, and developed the first models of his line for friends on a golf trip. To their delight, the "surfer dude" shirts added a new flare to their golf wardrobes, and before long, the word spread and the johnnie-O line was created.

A creative designer at heart, O'Donnell has now expanded his line to include men's, women's, and children's apparel. Additionally, he carries accessories, such as hats, socks, Golfskins, and belts. Today, such celebrities as Adrian Grenier of "Entourage" fame, tennis legend Pete Sampras, football star Drew Brees and baseball Cy Young winner Barry Zito can also be seen sporting the johnnie-O logo.

O'Donnell now resides in Los Angeles where he continues chipping away at his golf and business legacies.