Dustin Lancy
Senior commercial product marketing manager | Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. | Silver Lake, Ohio | Age: 37
What was your first job in the industry?
My Goodyear career overview: Commercial brand specialist > interactive marketing specialist > assistant brand manager > product marketing manager > senior product marketing manager.
What attracted you to the industry?
My attraction to the industry was driven by my aspiration to work for a large corporation in northeast Ohio. Immediately, I took an interest in how the commercial industry operates and the opportunity for innovation.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?
Managing the changes in the industry including the focus on sustainability, market fluctuations, emergence of EVs, regulatory updates, product performance innovations and the advancement of technology or solutions in commercial trucking.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
There are two people who have had the biggest influence in my career. My former Director of Marketing, Gary Medalis, and former President of North American Commercial, Dave Beasley. Both taught me how to be a high-level strategic thinker, as well as, many leadership skills which have been implemented throughout my career at Goodyear.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the industry?
Participating in a global Goodyear strategic initiatives team focused on future innovative products and solutions to advance technology in various commercial applications including last mile delivery, electric and autonomous vehicles.
Tell us about your current job and responsibilities. How do you spend your workday?
I lead a team who helps develop the strategy for our current and future Goodyear product portfolio. This would include new tires, retreads and premium technologies. I also have begun to learn about all other functions of the business to help make the best decisions for the company.
What's been the biggest surprise of your current job?
The biggest surprise in my current job is my ability to make an impact beyond the tire industry, particularly in sustainability. It is important to me to drive innovation by not only making strides at Goodyear, but also creating positive change on a global scale.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married for five years to my wife, Danielle. We are trying to start our family and going through IVF.
If you could wake up tomorrow with one new skill, what would you choose?
Play a guitar.
In a single word, how would your friends describe you?
Resourceful.
If you could switch careers tomorrow, what would you want to do, and why?
I would do something in the fishing industry. I truly enjoy all types of fishing (especially ice fishing) and spending time outdoors. I believe you should have a passion for what you do and this is my favorite activity.
What's the biggest issue facing the tire industry?
Adapting to the new technologies and trends (EV, AV, sustainability) that are driving innovation in the commercial trucking industry.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a meteorologist because I loved the weather.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I enjoy spending time in nature, whether it is fishing in the river behind my house or spending time relaxing on my patio.
What goal did you set for yourself this year? Are you on track to reach it?
This year I wanted to focus on my own personal development and the development of one of my direct reports by learning about other important functions in our organization such as manufacturing and supply chain. Since making this goal, (both of us) have visited various Goodyear manufacturing facilities to help us develop the most effective product portfolio.
What do you expect to be doing 20 years from now?
Professionally, I expect to be in a leadership position at Goodyear. Personally, I expect to have grown my family and would be spending time with them.
