Tough as Nails, CBS, features two women with Citrus County ties
Linnett Key (left) of Lecanto, and Michelle Kiddy (right), of Alexandria, Kentucky.
Premiers on Wednesday, July 8 at 8:00 pm EST
Features two women with Citrus County ties:
Linnett Key of Lecanto, and Michelle S. Kiddy, former CHS teacher
ABOUT TOUGH AS NAILS
TOUGH AS NAILS is a competition series that celebrates everyday Americans who roll up their sleeves and don’t think twice about working long hard hours and getting their hands dirty, in order to keep their country running. Competitors who consider the calluses on their hands a badge of honor will be tested for their strength, endurance, life skills and, most importantly, mental toughness, in challenges that take place at real-world job sites.
The series is from Emmy Award-winning producer and program host Phil Keoghan (THE AMAZING RACE) and his producing partner, Louise Keoghan. TOUGH AS NAILS is produced by Raquel Productions Inc. in association with Tough House Productions Inc. Phil Keoghan, Louise Keoghan and Anthony Carbone are executive producers.
CONTESTANTS
In addition to the two women with local ties (*see their profiles below) - Linnett Key, 34, a welder from Lecanto, Florida; and Michelle S. Kiddy, 62, a gate agent from Alexandria, Kentucky - the other contestants are:
Callie Cattell, 28, a fisherman from Bend, Oregon
Danny Moody, 33, a drywaller from Spokane, Washington
Kelly "Murph" Murphy, 47, a Marine Corps Veteran from Paragon, Indiana
Lee Marshall, 61, a roofer from St. Louis, Missouri
Linda Goodridge, 29, a deputy sheriff from Marion, New York
Luis Yuli, 35, a scaffolder from Bronx, New York
Melissa Burns, 27, a farmer from Milford Center, Ohio
Myles V. Polk, 28, a forestry tech from Tuskegee, Alabama
Tara Davis, 30, an ironworker from Elk Plain, Washington
Young An, 36, a firefighter from Alexandria, Virginia
*Linnett Key, 34, a welder from Lecanto, Florida
Instagram: @LKeyFit and @LoveLinnett
Three words to describe you: Passionate, resilient, motivated.
What do you do?
I am a welder/fabricator.
What is a typical day like for you?
I wake up at 4:00 am, drive one and a half hours to work, work from 6:00 am until 5:30 pm, and then I drive 45 minutes to my second job. I make it home around 10:00 pm, after going to the grocery store. Then cook dinner, eat by 11:00 pm, bed by 11:30 pm and then I do it all again the next day.
What would people be surprised to learn about your job?
My job consists of grinding, torching, fabricating, and other functions. I paint and set concrete, and read and write blueprints.
What work related build/structure or event are you most proud of?
My most proud build is a water truck built from scratch without any leaks.
Who are you competing for?
I am competing for my family, my children, and me.
Describe the phrase "dirty hands, clean money":
My work is considered dirty because I deal with being in the dirtiest elements, yet it is a legit job that pays well.
Why do you want to win?
I want to change my family’s financial means which will eventually lead to me being able to help others push to succeed in life.
What makes you tough as nails?
I am a single mom of four working two jobs, 16 hour days, and working in an environment that
takes a lot of physical and mental strength daily.
*Michelle S. Kiddy, 62, a gate agent from Alexandria, Kentucky
(formerly of Citrus County, Florida)
Three words to describe you: Gutsy, energetic, high-spirited.
What do you do?
I work as Customer Service Agent/Gate Agent (currently part time) at Cincinnati/North Kentucky International Airport for a ground service company for multiple airlines (a former cross country and track teacher at Citrus High School).
What is a typical day like for you?
Starting at 4:00 am, I help check-in passengers, tag bags, and collect fees. When the counter closes, I head to the gate to check the plane, maybe clean the plane, verify crew, verify paperwork, board passengers, and when everything is good to go, I close the door and pull back the jet bridge. Then, back to the counter for more passenger check-in.
What would people be surprised to learn about your job?
I tell people I have to be prepared to get yelled at every day for things I have no control over, like cancelled flights, no seats, bag fees, and overweight bags.
What work related build/structure or event are you most proud of?
I get things done! I'm trained on multiple systems, and if printers quit or passenger issues arise, I do my best to find solutions.
Who are you competing for?
I said originally for me, but actually for older women who have always hit the wall. I was a teacher for 15 years and had a tough time getting work. My salary was high, and people fear quitters or retirement. I have so much to give, and my work ethic is so much better than young applicants.
Describe the phrase "dirty hands, clean money":
When you put in an honest day's work, generally "hands on" and physical, you get satisfaction from what you do. You have generally visible evidence of 8-10 hours or more, and you sleep good knowing you did a job well done!
Why do you want to win?
I want to win because I want to prove that real people, hard working people like me who are older, educated, and experienced, are "like gold."
What makes you tough as nails?
I'm the one others ask to do the job nobody wants. A coworker said I could win this because "she is like a ferret, once she gets a hold of something, she doesn't let go." I've worked to pay the bills and done a lot of different things. I'm proud of a home rehab job. I've taught 7th grade science. That takes guts!