501.467.2980
WILLIE DODD
An Innovative and Forward Thinking,
Category & Marketing Professional
ALL ABOUT ME
Howdy, I'm Willie. I'm a northern born, southern raised young professional who is loving life. For a little more personal insight into me scroll below. Though I wish I could share all my passions and interests, this will only be a snapshot of who I am and what makes me tick.
(All photography featured is original)
WHAT DRIVES ME
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Coming from a large family (11 of 13 siblings pictured above!), maintaining great relationships are important. I always encourage an open line of communication because I value the input and company of my family and friends. I take their feedback and let it build me as I grow personally, creatively and professionally.
(And please ask me about my family, it's interesting for even me to talk about!)
THE OUTDOORS
Ever since my childhood camping trips to the Hocking Hills area in Ohio, I've been obsessed with nature, a love that continues to grow each year. I put a huge value on our natural resources and their continued conservation and enjoyment. As an avid hiker and camper I've recently started ticking off my National Park list by knocking out Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Hot Springs, and Yellowstone National Parks during a 3 week road trip last year. Hoping to hike-thru the Appalachian and Pacific Coast Trails before 40 as well!
TRAVELING & DIFFERENT CULTURES
There is something so innately refreshing when being exposed to a new place and surrounded by an unfamiliar culture. Whether international or domestic, it stimulates the mind in regards to food, language, art, and social dynamics. There are countless places I have yet to go and experience but I'm always looking forward and planning toward that next trip.
SCREENWRITING
I love movies. I enjoy a good blockbuster superhero movie right next to my indie darlings. As someone who loves movies and to write movies, I got my creative writing degree with screenplays in mind. An almost universal way to talk about the human condition through the eyes and lives of others in a visual and visceral way. I love that.
In a passion of writing as a senior in high school I wrote my first screenplay, Blue Eyes and Southern Spies. I was lucky enough to enter it in a few competitions and was a finalist in the Beverly Hills Film Festival. Though I don't find the time to devote to this like I wish I could, I'm always thinking about a plot thread or scene for one I'm mentally working through.
LGBTQ COMMUNITY ISSUES
As a member of the LGBTQ community I try to be an advocate in the public and private sphere. This includes being involved with the local equality center and sharing information about issues affecting our communities both inside the LGBTQ group and beyond.
ADULT BEVERAGE
Wine - Spirits - Craft Beer
WINE
Liquid Stories
It starts from the vine growing in the sun to the ripening all while being guided by wine growers, pushing the vines to express themselves in the most beautiful way possible. And the other half of the story is the winemaker and their on hands approach and crafting of exceptional flavor coupled with the history of the vineyard.I believe every wine is a story worth hearing.
For whites, I will always be up for a good bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. With the Arnies from Italy and a Portuguese Vinho Verde coming in second.
For reds, my heart belongs to American Cabernet Sauvignons, full-bodied Zinfandels, and the unpredictable red blend.
SPIRITS
Liquid Culture
Spirits deliver a range of flavors that inspire mixologists to push the envelope in flavor profiles, creativity and delivery. From Cognac to Venezulan Cucuy these spirits tell a story about the cultures they come from and let us enjoy it in liquid form.
For spirits I love a good neat Kentucky style bourbon (Eagle Rare!), a Mexican Mezcal (Smokier the better), and an exceptionally neutral and smooth Vodka.
CRAFT BEER
Liquid Innovation
Man is craft beer in a renaissance! Even in the last couple of years IPA's have been making this shift from super hoppy bitter beer to the floral and fruity style and man am I loving it! With so much competition right now anytime I travel I can expect to find that states craft beers and find some truly unique and innovative styles. This air of creativity and rapid change is exciting to witness.
Nothing quite satisfies me like a fruity saison or sour. I also have a taste for gose and pale ales. (Confession Bud Light Platinum and PBR are my guilty pleasures!)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Journalistic - Commercial - Landscape - Creative