It’s no secret that to reach young, eager-to-learn tradesmen and women – the people who will someday lead the construction industry – you must think outside the box. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that social media is quickly becoming a go-to source for information on drywall finishing and repair. From Drywall Nation to the Dusty’s Drywall, there are a number of good follows on social media. However, one drywall contractor has risen above the rest, blazing a trail on all platforms – Lydia Crowder, or as her more than 1M followers know her, Drywall Shorty.
Lydia is a second-generation drywaller, based in Bozeman, Montana, who has quickly made a name for herself online. Offering quick tips, solutions to common jobsite challenges, and even hosting live Q&A sessions on Facebook and Instagram, Lydia has become a go-to source for drywall pros and DIYers alike.
“I would have never thought that Drywall Shorty would grow to have the impact that it does on the drywall community. I thought no one would want to watch mud dry,” joked Crowder. “But the feedback and positive reactions I’ve received have really been eye-opening for me. It’s been great to play a part in moving the industry forward.”
Lydia’s love of craftsmanship started early, as she began working with her father at 18. Now, with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Lydia and her husband, Ryan, who was Lydia’s first student of the trade, run Trinity Drywall. Together, the duo finishes over 500,000 square feet of drywall board per year — equaling an average of one house a week — so you know she is the real deal.
With such a large reach and voice in the industry, it was no coincidence that Lydia caught the attention of ClarkDietrich.
“Living in the digital age, we must meet professionals where they are, and many of these individuals are turning to social media to get their information,” said Terry Westerman, vice president, marketing, at ClarkDietrich. “Having a direct line to someone so connected in that space allowed us to provide Lydia with the best and most up-to-date product information so that she can better educate the industry.”
To learn more about ClarkDietrich and its products, Lydia spent a week in O’Fallon, Missouri, where the entire line of Strait-Flex products is produced. While there, Lydia spent her time touring the facility, getting a first-hand look at how Strait-Flex products are made and installed, and even witnessed real-world application through time studies using various installation methods.
“Getting a peek behind the curtains from a manufacturer that makes such an extensive line of drywall products was really interesting and informative,” shared Lydia. “There was so much that I learned that I can’t wait to pass onto my followers.”
Make sure to be on the lookout for ClarkDietrich related content from Lydia (Drywall Shorty) on her page on the Build Show Network, or any of her social platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.