Andrew Lau
Product marketing manager | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. |Akron, Ohio | Age: 37
What was your first job in the industry?
I was a retail tire sales associate with a Goodyear-company owned store (Fall 2009 - March 2014). I started after I graduated from college from the University of Akron with a degree in international business.
What attracted you to the industry?
After seeing the film, The Fast and the Furious in 2001, (I became) passionate for automotive and motorsports. I knew that tires are the best modification you can make to your car, since they are the only things touching the road. I got into working at a Goodyear company-owned retail store because I wanted to learn about the tire and service business model in hope of opening my own shop one day. My plans changed as I wanted to work at the corporate office at Goodyear in Akron. My competitive nature drives me to push the envelope on tire performance.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
My biggest challenge I have faced in my career is the disruption that COVID-19 had to the tire industry. It disrupted manufacturing, new vehicle demand, economic impact to consumer spending, and tire imports into the U.S.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
Rich Kramer, the former CEO had the biggest influence in my career. I found him to be extremely motivating and (he) inspired me to give my best effort to develop my talents in leadership and innovation. I met him in the first few years when I started with Goodyear while I was still working in retail. Whatever my job was for the company I wanted to do him proud and protect our good name.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
My biggest accomplishment in the industry was launching the first replacement EV specific tire in North American Goodyear's ElectricDrive GT in December 2021 and now the successor ElectricDrive 2 in the second quarter of 2024.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
I'm responsible for leading new product development in the commuter touring category. I own the product road map strategy on when Goodyear launches new products into the market and what performance metric they need to deliver on. I work with cross-functional teams including engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, sales and marketing to ensure we are aligned on project goals, advance tire innovation, and selling our products.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The biggest surprise has been how diverse the tire market is in terms of product offerings in the past four years since I've been in the role. Consumers have more options to choose from today than they have before. Not only is there the range from tier-one to tier-four, but all-weather tires, electric vehicle specific tires, low rolling resistant tires, tires with sealant, tires with foam — that's just naming a few examples.
Tell us about your family.
I grew up in Northeast Ohio and I met my wife while I was working as a sales associate in Goodyear's company-owned retail store. I think my outgoing nature is what attracted her to me. We've been married for 12 years and have a five-year-old who's in kindergarten. I share my love of motorsports and cars with her, and she shares her love of playing the piano.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
If I could wake up with a new skill it would be to be able to drive like Max Verstappen. I really admire racing drivers because I know the level of skill it takes to master a car and to be fearless when driving.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Passionate.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
If I could switch careers, I would like to be an automotive presenter like the ones you see on "Top Gear." I love being in front of the camera, reviewing cars and talking to people.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
The biggest issue facing the tire industry is the shortage of skilled labor in the tire trade. We need people that want to work and have the skills needed in tire manufacturing and auto service shops.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a cop. I loved watching law enforcement movies especially the ones where the officer knows martial arts like Chuck Norris or Jackie Chan.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I listen to country music and enjoy the drive on the highway.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
My goal was to do an incredible product launch for Goodyear and I can proudly say I accomplished that with the Assurance WeatherReady 2 ride and drive.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
In 20 years I'd like to be spending time at a university either as a professor or a dean so I can educate the minds of the future generation of business leaders.
