Abby Lee – District Administrator, PMA Southeast
Marketing Assistant, Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing
Back in 2018, when Abby accepted a marketing assistant offer from Phoenix Specialty Mfg. Co., she also took over responsibilities as PMA Southeast District Administrator. Having graduated from college in 2016, it was baptism by fire, fresh out of college, fresh to a new position, fresh to volunteerism, and an entirely new industry.
Baptism by Fire
“I knew nothing about metal stamping or what goes into making parts. Before joining Phoenix, I was in the banking industry,” Abby said. “My college degree was in travel and tourism. I don’t think my transition to manufacturing would have happened so quickly without being with the district. It speeds up your learning, opens other opportunities, and you work with very talented people. Of course, you have to balance your time with the daily work, but it’s worth it so far.”
“I don’t think my transition to manufacturing would have happened so quickly without being with the district.”
Practical Perspective
She goes on to say, “…the plant tours and roundtables have helped me most. As the person organizing the event and answering all the questions, you listen and learn. I gain perspective that I can immediately apply to my marketing.”
The networking aspect is also rewarding. You will meet people at a PMA event, but then you start running into them outside of PMA. It really is a community.”
A Scholarly Path in Leadership Building
According to Abby, the most rewarding experience she has had thus far is with the district scholarship program. “To be part of the selection process, and to see how the money we raise comes full circle right back into the scholarships and other district initiatives has been my most rewarding experience so far.”
How can the district encourage more young professionals into manufacturing?
“… It’s important that younger generations understand all of the possibilities that manufacturing offers. It’s not just the shop floor,” says Abby. “So, we have to keep talking to local schools and show them everything that we do, change the perception, and continue to promote women in manufacturing. You know, women make up 40% of the workforce at Phoenix. I think we can do all of this through social media and eye-catching content but you have to be willing to experiment. Phoenix recently created a TikTok account. It may not be the best platform for business, but you need to test it for yourself. It challenges you to take a new approach, and that’s what my generation is all about.”