Introducing….Abby!

Vice President of Manufacturing, Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P.

When your gas furnace, heat pump or air conditioner is working, it’s easy to forget that a team of people are dedicated to manufacturing that piece of equipment. One of these key people is Abby Lawrence, Vice President of Manufacturing for Goodman Manufacturing.

Although she is more comfortable behind the scenes than in the spotlight, we recently sat down with Abby to talk about her unique background, interests and being a female executive in the HVAC manufacturing industry.

The Path and Perseverance

Abby grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico with her Cuban-born parents before moving to the Washington D.C. area at the age of 15.

Your native language is Spanish, but your English is flawless. How did you learn English?
“I initially learned by watching Mister Roger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street. I had to work at English. To this day, there is always a dictionary on my desk, and I use it every day. I also get a “Word of the Day” email so I can continue to learn!”

How did you end up with a French and a Finance degree?
“I financed my own ungraduated degree by working two jobs. When I learned that 12 credit hours could cost the same as 18 credit hours, I took 18 credit hours. I could get more bang for my buck. (As a result), I received a B.S. degree in Finance and had money left in the bank.  I was encouraged by my mother to go have fun and travel, so I enrolled in the University of Grenoble in France.  With the classes that I took at Grenoble, in addition to the ones I took at George Mason University, I was able to add on a degree in French.”

Leading the Team

What led you to the manufacturing industry?
“I really enjoy solving manufacturing challenges!  With Goodman, I liked the idea of taking a part of the company to the next level.

I think my love of manufacturing actually started with a segment in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood called “Picture Picture – How People Make Things.” I distinctly remember watching an episode where they showed a canning factory. It was so interesting!”

What is the biggest misconception that people have about you?
(Laughing) “That I eat my young and I will eat yours too! When I walk into a room with my job, I am usually the only female.  In the manufacturing world, you have to be tough, or you can be taken advantage of.  Even after having 25 years of experience.”

What is your favorite part of your job and why?
“Solving problems. I enjoy putting all the pieces of the puzzles together and finding the information to solve the problem.  When the information reveals itself, it really a good feeling!”

What career accomplishments are you be most proud of?  
“I will not remember the numbers, the production records, or the quality control elements that we have put in place – I will remember the people that I have helped to develop along the way.”

“If you shine your strengths, it will outshine your weaknesses.”
“We have a very active rotation program (at Goodman) that encourages our manufacturing plant employees to play to their strengths. As a result of this practice, we promoted 15 people last year because they went to another area that showcased their strength. We put them through a development program, and they advanced. Those are the things that I will remember when I am sitting the rocking chair! The people that made it!”

What words describes how you work?
“Follow up! I think the reason I am successful is because I follow up, follow up, and follow up! When people know that you aren’t going to drop something, they will get it done.”

It’s not all about work!

What do you do for fun?
“I run, swim, read and volunteer with Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC). I have volunteered with the TWRC for almost a decade now. This year I will get to work with the really small animals, even baby possums and baby squirrels.  They are such cute, grateful little things.”

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?
“One of my goals is to learn how to crochet. I can sew, but I want to learn how to crochet.”

If you could go on a road trip with anyone, who would you choose?
“A crochet instructor!”


Abby Lawrence received a B.A in French and a B.S. in Finance from George Mason University, and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition to her duties at Goodman, Abby is the chairperson of the Greater Houston Partnership Manufacturing Committee.