Lindsey Lawrence
Lindsey Lawrence is a seasoned manufacturing and business development professional with over 24 years of experience in the manufacturing sector and four years specializing in business development. Currently, she serves as Manager, Healthcare Systems Strategy at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions – US, where she focuses on doors, frames, hardware, key systems and access control. Lindsey has built a strong reputation for engaging with C-suite and system-level decision-makers, providing strategic, organization-wide solutions, and consistently driving growth and innovation within her teams. Lindsey began her career after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from the University of Charleston, completing a six-month interior design internship before entering the manufacturing industry. She joined Smed International, representing their architectural walls product line, and later transitioned to Haworth, where she continued her work in architectural solutions. After a brief tenure in project design and planning roles, Lindsey returned to manufacturing with ASSA ABLOY in April 2020, quickly advancing through multiple roles and demonstrating her expertise in both sales and business development during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lindsey is committed to mentorship and supporting the next generation of female leaders in manufacturing. She actively engages with professional organizations such as Women in Construction, Women in Mission Critical, and Women in Healthcare, leveraging her experience to guide young professionals. Lindsey attributes her success to her mentors, her parents’ strong work ethic, and a dedication to finding meaningful work aligned with her passions. She emphasizes values of continuous learning, perseverance, and collaboration, which have consistently guided her career and personal endeavors.
• University of Charleston – Bachelor of Arts (BA), Interior Design
• Influential Women 2026
• Women in Healthcare
• Women in Construction
• Women in Mission Critical
• Mentoring young female professionals
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the mentors and role models in my life. In particular, my very first mentor, whom I met at age 22, had a profound impact on me. Even today, we maintain contact, despite his having been retired for many years. I also credit my parents, whose unwavering work ethic shaped my approach to both life and career. My father shared a quote with me at a young age that has stayed with me ever since: “Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
I’ve found that as long as you remain connected to your “why,” you are on the right path. Not every workday will be perfect, but if you enjoy what you do in the bigger picture, you are heading in the right direction. My parents emphasized the importance of higher education and discovering a passion that genuinely inspires you.
And then, at 22, my first mentor provided guidance that was truly transformative. He taught me that growth requires persistence and that complacency is the enemy of progress. His example instilled in me a drive to continually push forward, embrace challenges, and never stop learning.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was from my father at a very young age: “Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” That quote has stayed with me throughout my life. The moment you begin dreading getting up for work, it’s a signal that something needs to change. Staying connected to your “why” is essential—if your purpose still resonates with you, you’re on the right path. Of course, not every workday will be perfect, but in the broader perspective, if you continue to enjoy what you do, you are moving in the right direction.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being in manufacturing, I'm literally the only woman on the team. There's not a whole lot of female leadership in my industry of doors, frames, hardware, key systems, and access controls, as you can imagine. For me, I would say continue to be yourself and go after what you want, regardless of who's in front of you and who's behind you. Lean on those women that are in that manufacturing world that you do want to be in, whether it's office furnishings, architectural glass solutions, or doors, frames, and hardware. Don't let you being a woman put barriers. Break those barriers. I've actually found, especially being in this organization, that being a female in this role and as quickly as I've moved up is extremely empowering. Use that to your advantage. Find your female support group and lean on each other. Find your support, whether it's women in the industry or others. Stay well connected to your female groups within your industry.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is that doors, frames, hardware, and access control remain male-dominated sectors with limited female leadership. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, particularly in healthcare systems sales and engaging system-level decision-makers across the United States, where I can have a real impact on organizational safety and efficiency.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important are maintaining a strong work ethic, committing to lifelong learning, being passionate about my work, mentoring and paying it forward, and fostering support from a professional community. These principles guide both my career and personal life decisions.