This exclusive FH series shines a spotlight on the incredible women who represent the growing 11 percent of the construction workforce in the U.S. We delve into their inspiring career journeys, share their invaluable experiences, and celebrate their significant contributions to a traditionally male-dominated field. Our goal is to highlight the expertise, dedication, and resilience of these trailblazers. Do you know an exceptional woman in construction whose story deserves to be told? We invite you to email us here.
Lydia Crowder: Drywall Shorty – A Champion for Women in Skilled Trades
For Lydia Crowder, the conventional academic path didn’t align with her innate desire for hands-on work and tangible results. After just one semester at college in her vibrant hometown of Bozeman, Montana, Lydia quickly recognized that higher education simply wasn’t the right fit for her aspirations or her practical approach to learning. This pivotal realization, however, opened the door to an unexpected, yet profoundly rewarding, career in the trades.
Fortunately, a guiding hand came from her father, a seasoned and respected drywall professional. He extended an offer that would change her life’s trajectory: “Do you want to give drywall a shot?” At merely 18 years old, Lydia embraced the challenge with open arms. “I was 18 when I started working for him, and I just fell in love with it,” Crowder recounts, a testament to the immediate connection she felt with the craft, finding a deep sense of purpose in the physical act of creation and finishing.
Her initial years in the trade were fortified by immense support and encouragement. Not only did her father provide invaluable guidance, but his experienced employees also took her under their wing, offering practical training and mentorship that laid a strong foundation for her skills. These early experiences cemented her passion for drywall, turning a job opportunity into a lifelong calling. Now, two decades later, Lydia Crowder stands as a testament to dedication, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit. She is not only successfully running her own thriving company, Trinity Drywall, but continues to relish every aspect of her work – from the unparalleled sense of freedom and autonomy it provides, to the diverse challenges each new project presents, and the deep physical satisfaction derived from transforming spaces with her own hands.
“Every house you walk into has its own unique set of challenges, demanding constant problem-solving and innovative thinking to achieve the best possible end product,” she explains. This dynamic environment keeps her engaged and continually sharpens her expertise, ensuring no two days are ever truly the same. The reward, she emphasizes, is deeply personal and immediately visible: “Then at the end of the day, I see everything I accomplished with my hands and think, ‘I killed that. I did an amazing job and everybody’s happy.’ ” This profound sense of accomplishment and client satisfaction fuels her enduring love for the trade, demonstrating the immense personal fulfillment that skilled labor can offer.
A few years ago, Lydia astutely leveraged the power of digital connectivity by launching her Instagram account, @DrywallShorty. This distinctive handle is an endearing and memorable nod to her modest height of 5 foot 1 inch, transforming a personal trait into a powerful brand identity. Through this rapidly growing platform, she generously shares her extensive knowledge, intricate techniques, and practical “tricks of the trade” with an ever-expanding audience of over 200,000 followers and countless others eager to learn the nuances of professional drywall finishing. Her online presence has not only established her as a leading voice and innovator in the industry but also as an inspiring educator, breaking down barriers to learning and fostering a new generation of tradespeople.
We recently had the distinct privilege of sitting down with Lydia Crowder to gain her unique insights into the evolving landscape of the drywall industry and her influential role within it. Her perspectives offer a compelling glimpse into the opportunities, triumphs, and challenges facing tradespeople today, especially women who are forging their paths in these essential professions.
Insights from the Field: An Exclusive Interview with Lydia Crowder
Q: How have you effectively adapted to being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated trade?
A: Navigating new jobsites, especially in the early days, could certainly be challenging. If the builders or other contractors aren’t familiar with our company or me personally, they often direct their comments or questions to my husband, assuming he’s the sole decision-maker or lead. I’ve encountered remarks like, “Oh, you brought your helper,” or even witnessed amusement when I’m expertly maneuvering on stilts, sometimes followed by ill-considered jokes about me falling. My primary and most effective strategy for dealing with this, and for establishing immediate respect and credibility, is by actively building rapport and consistently demonstrating my expertise and deep understanding of the work.
From the outset of any project, I make it a point to engage proactively with the builder about critical project aspects. This includes discussing timelines, specific design requirements, material logistics, and any potential challenges that might arise. This not only gathers vital information necessary for our team to work effectively and efficiently but also immediately signals my comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope and intricacies. It shows them, unequivocally, that I am informed, engaged, and meticulous in my approach.
The dynamic typically shifts very quickly once they see this level of professionalism. Builders soon realize that I am fully aware of what’s going on, possess a keen attention to detail, and am a capable leader. Consequently, they begin to approach me directly with their questions and concerns, recognizing my competence and leadership. It highlights a crucial point in construction: simply having a conversation, being knowledgeable, and understanding the overarching goal of the project can make a world of difference. Many people just show up on site without a clear grasp of the project’s ultimate vision, and that’s precisely where informed communication and proactive engagement truly sets you apart and earns enduring respect. Professionalism transcends gender on any jobsite.
Q: Can you share details about some particularly memorable projects you’ve undertaken recently?
A: One project that vividly stands out in my memory was an exceptionally large custom home we were working on right as the COVID-19 pandemic began to unfold. There was a period of significant uncertainty where we genuinely wondered if the clients would put the project on hold or even cancel it entirely due to the unprecedented global circumstances. Thankfully, they decided to proceed, and it turned out to be one of the most fun, complex, and ultimately rewarding houses we’ve ever had the pleasure of finishing.
To give you an idea of its scale and intricacy, this particular house featured an astounding 146 corner beads. In contrast, a typical residential home usually requires only about 40 to 50, making this project a true test of precision and endurance. This kind of intricacy is exactly what I love and what truly excites me. I thrive on working on these grand, “showpiece” houses – projects that demand high-end, smooth-wall, and seamlessly wrapped smooth-lid finishes throughout. These types of jobs allow us the luxury of time and the opportunity to truly showcase our highest level of craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in professional drywall finishing. It’s where the art of the trade truly comes alive.
Interestingly, the pandemic, despite its initial disruptions, actually boosted our business significantly here in Bozeman. With the widespread shift to remote work, many people started relocating to areas like ours, seeking more space and a better quality of life away from crowded urban centers. This influx led to an immense increase in our workload, keeping Trinity Drywall incredibly busy. However, this period also brought its own set of unique challenges, particularly concerning product availability and supply chain consistency. We’ve experienced tricky situations getting specific materials due to widespread shortages, and unfortunately, we’ve also seen price increases of 20 to 30 percent on many essential supplies. Adapting to these volatile market fluctuations while maintaining our unwavering commitment to quality and project timelines has been a constant, yet manageable, balancing act for our team.
Q: What significant challenges do you anticipate for the construction industry in the coming years?
A: This is a critical concern that demands immediate and comprehensive attention from everyone involved in the trades and construction industry. A staggering 40 percent of the current construction workforce is projected to retire within the next 15 years. This demographic shift is not just a statistical anomaly; it signals an impending and significant shortage of qualified, skilled tradespeople across various specializations, from electricians and plumbers to carpenters and, of course, drywall finishers. The implications for the industry are profound, potentially leading to widespread project delays, increased labor costs, and a concerning decline in overall quality and efficiency if not addressed proactively and strategically.
It falls squarely upon us, those currently active in the trades and industry leaders, to proactively encourage and inspire the next generation to enter the trades. This isn’t just about simple recruitment; it’s about comprehensive development and long-term investment. We need to invest heavily in training them exceptionally well, ensuring they acquire not only technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of best practices, modern building codes, and safety protocols. Furthermore, it’s crucial to educate them on how to build and successfully sustain a business of their own. This last part, the entrepreneurial aspect of transitioning from a skilled worker to a thriving business owner, is arguably the hardest challenge for many aspiring tradespeople and requires dedicated mentorship and resources.
A fundamental shift in mindset is also required within the existing industry culture. We must recognize that having more skilled competition isn’t detrimental; in fact, it’s absolutely essential for industry growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability. Instead of viewing newcomers as threats to our market share, we need to adopt a broader, more collaborative perspective, focusing on the big picture: how to ensure the construction industry remains robust, sustainable, and capable of meeting future demands with a high level of well-trained workers. To achieve this, we must foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment, actively sharing tips, techniques, and accumulated knowledge, rather than jealously guarding our “trade secrets” out of fear that someone might “steal” our work. Collaboration, open learning, and collective growth, not fierce and isolated competition, will be the true keys to our collective success and the future health of the construction trades.
Q: How has social media notably impacted the construction industry and the trades?
View this post on InstagramA post shared by DrywallShorty – Lydia (@drywallshorty)
A: Social media has been an absolute game-changer for the construction industry, democratizing access to knowledge and skill development in ways we could only dream of before. In the past, if you walked onto a bustling construction site as an outsider and asked, “Hey guys, can you teach me this technique?” you’d likely be met with a dismissive, “Get out of here. It’s none of your business.” The traditional avenues for learning were often exclusive, requiring formal apprenticeships or direct mentorship that weren’t always accessible to everyone, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds or underrepresented groups.
Now, with powerful visual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, anyone with a smartphone can literally pick up their device, watch a comprehensive, step-by-step video, and learn how to execute complex tasks directly from highly skilled and experienced tradespeople. This unparalleled accessibility is revolutionizing how skills are transferred, how best practices are disseminated, and how new talent enters the field. It’s incredibly rewarding for me, and for many other professionals, to break down intricate processes and demonstrate them in an understandable, engaging format. It’s truly about sharing expertise, fostering a global community of learners, and elevating the entire industry.
This widespread sharing of knowledge does much more than just teach practical skills; it actively encourages more people, particularly younger generations and women, to genuinely consider and explore joining the trades as a viable and rewarding career path. By showcasing the realities, the creativity, the problem-solving, and the immense satisfaction of blue-collar work, social media effectively lifts the veil on what it truly means to be a skilled craftsperson, a dedicated business owner, and a successful drywall finisher. It dispels outdated myths and negative stereotypes, highlights the professionalism and innovation inherent in these jobs, and demonstrates the limitless potential within these essential professions, ultimately making the trades a much more attractive, understandable, and respected career option for a diverse array of individuals.
Q: What crucial advice would you offer to young women who are considering a career in this field?
A: My number one piece of advice, which I cannot stress enough, is to take yourself seriously. If you don’t project professionalism, confidence, and unwavering belief in your own abilities and aspirations, it becomes exponentially harder for others to do so. Approach every job, every task, and every interaction with an insatiable willingness to learn, a deep commitment to excellence, and an unwavering determination to do the absolute best that you can. Your attitude, your robust work ethic, and your demonstrated competence will speak volumes louder than any words and will quickly earn you the respect you deserve on any jobsite.
It’s also absolutely essential to understand that in construction, as in many highly skilled professions, everyone has to diligently work their way up the ladder. Learning the intricate skills, mastering the specialized techniques, and gaining the necessary hands-on experience takes dedicated time, consistent effort, and persistent practice. Don’t expect instant mastery; rather, embrace the journey of continuous improvement. Instead, be a sponge; absorb every piece of information, meticulously observe every method, and ask thoughtful, insightful questions. View this not just as a temporary job to make a little extra money here or there, but as a robust, fulfilling, and financially stable long-term career. The beauty and significant advantage of entering the trades now, especially for women, is that you’ll be actively filling a significant void in the workforce, creating immense opportunities for rapid growth, leadership roles, and unparalleled career progression.
While my advice is particularly pertinent for young women, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to seriously explore a career in the trades. There are many outdated misconceptions that persist: it’s not inherently “dirty” or “yucky,” nor is it exclusively about hard, back-breaking manual labor on site. Modern trades often incorporate advanced technology, requiring intelligence, precision, problem-solving skills, and immense creativity. It is an extremely satisfying field where you see tangible, beautiful results of your hard work every single day, and truly, the sky’s the limit for what you can achieve personally and professionally. A career in the trades provides incredible opportunities to become a successful small business owner, to be your own boss and chart your own course, and even to scale a company to a significant, impactful size. This level of autonomy, financial stability, personal accomplishment, and community contribution is something I deeply wish more people, regardless of gender or background, would fully understand and courageously embrace.
Q: Can you describe some of your essential, pro-specific tools that you can’t work without?
A: Absolutely! As a pan and knife user, which is a traditional, highly precise, and extremely versatile method for drywall finishing, I always have a couple of high-quality knives with me. My absolute preferred brand is Level5 because their blades are consistently super straight, meticulously free of nicks or any imperfections that could compromise the final smooth finish, and their handles offer a comfortable, ergonomic, and reliable grip. These specific qualities are absolutely crucial for achieving perfectly smooth seams, sharp corners, and a flawless overall surface.
Given that I’m 5 foot 1, I am almost always on stilts when working on walls and ceilings. They are an absolute necessity for reaching high areas comfortably, safely, and efficiently without the constant, time-consuming need to move ladders around the jobsite. Dura-Stilts have been my trusted companion throughout my entire career. Their exceptional durability, lightweight design, and superior stability are unmatched, providing a secure and comfortable platform for executing detailed work at height. For automatic tools that significantly enhance efficiency and speed, I heavily rely on a loading pump. The Northstar Tool brand is simply amazing; I affectionately consider them the Louis Vuitton of taping tools due to their superior quality, innovative design, and unparalleled performance. Consequently, they are often in extremely high demand, making them very hard to acquire and usually back-ordered.
When it comes to achieving that flawless, glass-smooth finish, proper sanding is absolutely key. For advanced sanding tools, the PlaneX 2 drywall sander is always a reliable choice, particularly for its excellent dust containment capabilities, which is vital not only for a clean workspace but also for healthier working conditions and faster cleanup. Additionally, Trim-Tex manufactures a lot of nice drywall sanding materials and innovative corner beads that help achieve sharp, clean lines and durable edges. Finally, while it might not be considered a “tool” in the traditional sense, drywall compound, or “mud,” is absolutely indispensable; you simply can’t do anything without it! I’ve consistently used USG products for their reliability and consistent quality. Their All-Purpose compound is my standard for initial taping, providing excellent bond and fill. Their Plus 3 lightweight compound is my preferred choice for all subsequent coat work due to its ease of application and smooth finish. USG is definitely my unwavering go-to brand for all my compound needs.
Meet Lydia Crowder: The Visionary Behind Drywall Shorty
Lydia Crowder, widely celebrated by her empowering and memorable social media moniker Drywall Shorty, embodies two decades of unparalleled expertise as a second-generation drywall finisher. Alongside her husband, she proudly co-owns and diligently operates Trinity Drywall, a highly successful and reputable company based in the bustling construction market of Bozeman, Montana. Annually, their dedicated and skilled team meticulously finishes over 500,000 square feet of drywall, a remarkable testament to their efficiency, unwavering commitment to quality, and high demand in the region’s thriving building industry.
Her journey into the digital realm began more than three years ago when she intuitively started sharing her wealth of practical tips, intricate techniques, and invaluable tricks online. This initiative quickly blossomed, transforming her into a digital phenomenon with currently over one million dedicated followers across her various social media accounts, making her one of the most recognized and influential figures in the trades online. Beyond her thriving digital presence, Crowder is a respected contributor to Buildshownetwork.com, where she further disseminates her extensive knowledge to a broader audience. She has also educated countless aspiring tradespeople through an acclaimed M.T. Copeland class specifically focused on advanced drywall finishing techniques and has prominently graced the cover of Women In Trade magazine, firmly solidifying her status as a leading figure, innovator, and passionate advocate for women and excellence in the skilled trades.
About the Author: Karuna Eberl
Karuna Eberl is a distinguished and regular contributor to FamilyHandyman.com, bringing a rich blend of seasoned journalistic experience and compelling storytelling prowess to her work. Over the past 25 years, she has carved out a highly successful career as a prolific freelance journalist and acclaimed filmmaker, specializing in crafting engaging narratives that explore the fascinating intersections of people, nature, travel, science, and history. Eberl’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have been widely recognized with numerous prestigious awards for her insightful writing, her comprehensive Florida Keys Travel Guide, and her impactful documentary film, The Guerrero Project. Her remarkable ability to craft engaging, informative, and inspiring content makes her an invaluable voice for esteemed publications like Family Handyman, providing readers with deeply researched and thoughtfully presented stories.