The UCCEO team recently had the privilege of visiting the beautifully remodeled offices of Taylor Dodd and Wood Insurance (TDW) and Dodd Architects. Housed in the former AJ National Bank building in front of Walmart, this stunning space has been home to both businesses since 2021. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet with Brad Dodd of TDW and Ryan Dodd of Dodd Architects, who shared insights into their respective companies and careers.
Taylor Dodd & Wood Insurance
We began our visit in TDW’s conference room, where Brad shared a fascinating historical insight: the concept of “insurance” dates back to the spice trade era. Shipowners, facing the immense cost of replacing lost ships, pooled their funds to create a system of financial protection—essentially the foundation of modern insurance.
Brad then walked us through the history of Taylor Dodd & Wood Insurance, which was founded in 1980 by his father, Byron Dodd. As an independent insurance agency, TDW isn’t limited to a single provider; instead, their agents can compare policies from over 40 different companies to find the best fit for each client’s unique needs. They specialize in health, home, auto, commercial insurance, and more.
Brad’s own journey to TDW was diverse—he earned degrees in business and aviation from SIU, worked as a pilot, and held various sales and marketing positions before joining the family business. His passion for the industry and commitment to serving his community were evident throughout our conversation.
Two key takeaways from Brad’s insights:
1. Keep an open mind to opportunities—career paths can take unexpected yet fulfilling turns.
2. Maintain a strong credit score—it’s one of the most important financial tools for securing opportunities in life.
Dodd Architects
Next, we crossed over to the Dodd Architects studio to meet with Ryan Dodd, whose passion for architecture began at the age of four. Ryan pursued his dream by earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, followed by a master’s degree and the successful completion of six rigorous licensing exams. After gaining experience with a local firm, he founded Dodd Architects.
Ryan explained that architects play a crucial role beyond just designing buildings. They collaborate with engineers, graphic designers, and branding specialists, ensuring compliance with regulations while creating cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable designs. He showcased some incredible videos, 3D renderings, project manuals, and design documents from their recent projects.
Dodd Architects has found a niche in school construction, working on projects such as:
• Shawnee High School
• AJCHS Auditorium
• Murphysboro Schools
• Shawnee Community College
• Cobden High School Gym (a standout project!)
Additionally, they are currently contributing to the Davie Street Revitalization Project in collaboration with the City of Anna. Like Brad, Ryan takes pride in living and working in his hometown, enhancing the community through his architectural expertise.
Our visit to Taylor Dodd & Wood Insurance and Dodd Architects was truly inspiring. Both businesses are dedicated investors in the Union County CEO Program, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. Through these visits, our CEO team gains firsthand insight into the wealth of opportunities available right here in our community—empowering the next generation to build their futures locally.
A huge thank you to Brad, Ryan, and the entire TDW and Dodd Architects teams for welcoming us and sharing your knowledge. We appreciate you all!!
