Episode 36 - Embracing Trades: Liv Taylor Dodge on Hard Work – Troll Co.

From Project Management to the Welder’s Torch

Liv Taylor Dodge’s journey into the world of trades is as inspiring as it is unconventional. Growing up on the coast, Liv always had a profound awareness of the trades, yet she did not immediately dive into hands-on work. Initially pursuing a career in architecture and project management, Liv dreamt of something different. This dream led her to a sheet metal shop, where she convinced her boss to allow her to transition from office work to get her hands dirty in the shop. Her determination piqued the curiosity and skepticism of her colleagues, but Liv soon proved her mettle by mastering specialized skills like tig welding and enrolling in night school to deepen her expertise.

Tackling the Challenges of Diverse Trades

Liv's career has encompassed a remarkable variety of roles. From roofing and welding to truck driving, she’s navigated the complexities and physical demands of each trade with grit and determination. Her experience with driving school was not without its hurdles, despite initially thinking it would be manageable due to her experience driving trucks. Liv's perseverance paid off as she graduated top of her class, although she ultimately found long-distance driving less fulfilling, leading her back to welding—a field that offered the challenges and satisfaction she craved.

Balancing Family Life and Grueling Work Schedules

One of Liv’s most admirable traits is her ability to balance her demanding work schedule with her responsibilities as a mother. She shares 50/50 custody of her kids with their dad, organizing her offshore work around this arrangement. The grueling demands of her work often mean working over 100 hours a week, with her schedule sometimes including 24-hour shifts and continuous work without days off. Liv's dedication to both her family and her career showcases her remarkable resilience and commitment to maintaining a balance between the two.

The Physical and Mental Demands of Welding

Transitioning from specialty fabrication to shipyard welding, Liv faced the harsh realities of working in shipyards. The conditions are grueling, from confined spaces and extreme heat to mandatory protective gear and poor ventilation. Despite the physical toll and undervaluation of her skills by some employers, Liv remains passionate about welding. She is not only dedicated to her craft but also committed to sharing her real-world experiences to inspire and educate others, particularly women considering a career in trades.

Empowering Women in Male-Dominated Fields

Liv Taylor Dodge is a staunch advocate for women maintaining their identity in male-dominated fields. She emphasizes that women can excel without conforming to traditional male appearances. As someone who has worked alongside all-male crews under challenging conditions, Liv highlights the importance of women carving their path and standing firm against preconceived biases based on appearance and age. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that women can and should pursue roles in trades, bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table.

The Role of Social Media and Staying Authentic

Interestingly, Liv’s introduction to social media, particularly TikTok, was accidental. Mistaking it for a video editing app, she posted a video that went viral, quickly amassing followers. Despite her social media success and nearly 3 million followers, Liv refuses to rely on this platform for income. Her focus remains on authenticity and using her platform to make an impact, encouraging women and the next generation to enter trades. Liv is determined to use her voice for empowerment rather than succumbing to the pressures of monetization that can often undermine genuine content.

Paddy Bonnaroo and Creating Positive Connections

Beyond her professional life, Liv Taylor Dodge finds joy and respite in attending the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Describing it as her annual escape, she revels in the genuine, positive community created at the festival. Liv’s recount of an asthma attack at Bonnaroo, where she received immediate support from fellow attendees, highlights the supportive and close-knit atmosphere she cherishes. This love for creating genuine connections extends to the networking and friendships she forms at such events.

Looking to the Future: Education and Continued Advocacy

Liv continues to push forward, recently completing eight out of ten certification tests necessary for a transition from structural pipe welding to more specialized pipe welding. This move is driven by her desire to avoid career burnout and achieve long-term sustainability in her field. Her journey is not without its doubts and challenges, but she remains determined to persist and make a difference. As Liv eyes further education and opportunities, her story continues to inspire countless others.

Listen Here

"I got to the point where I felt like I was capped out. Like, I felt like I was kind of getting held back in the part of the industry that I was in because I became a master of my craft, and it's like, I'm just the type that I can't."

3 Fun Facts About Liv Taylor

Liv Taylor Dodge described how she initially started using TikTok by accident, mistaking it for a video editing app, and quickly gained nearly 3 million followers in a year.
She relishes attending Bonnaroo annually, sharing an amusing story of suffering an asthma attack due to losing her inhaler and highlighting the festival's supportive community.
Despite her social media success, Liv continues to work in trades, valuing authenticity over monetizing her platform, and aims to inspire women and the next generation to enter trades.