Abby Leisure, 26
Product Manager
Atkore
Abby joined Atkore in 2021 through Atkore’s Leadership Development Program (ALDP). “This rotational program gave me experience in manufacturing operations, product management, safety, and finance,” she recalled. At the conclusion of the ALDP program, Abby was offered a position as product manager supporting the company’s Regional Service Centers. “There, I developed product portfolios, collaborated with sales on program creation, and contributed to projects like the RSC App,” she explained. “In late 2024 I took on my current role of product manager for our North American Metal Framing business.”
Abby noted that she was drawn to Atkore for the ALDP program because she really liked the mix of business strategy and engineering-focused work she would be a part of. “What appealed to me about the electrical industry then still holds true today: The work is real and tangible and has a direct impact on how the world is built, whether it’s a hospital, data center, or manufacturing plant,” she said. “I really enjoy seeing our product in my daily life outside of work. I didn’t have a set plan to work in industrial or construction-adjacent spaces, but I quickly saw how rewarding it can be.”
Asked about a challenge or hurdle the industry is currently facing, Abby pointed keeping pace. “There is so much growth in areas like EV infrastructure, data centers, and energy. These markets demand speed, flexibility, and innovation from manufacturers like us,” she explained. “In my current role, I’m focused on strengthening our product offering by simplifying complexities in the metal framing portfolio and improving product availability, which should streamline our service to our customers.”
Looking ahead, Abby noted that, right now, she is focused on fully stepping into her current role. “There’s a lot to learn, and I’m excited to keep growing,” she said. “My goal is to become more well-rounded by continuing to take on cross-functional projects and keep building strong relationships across the business. The role I’m in now allows me to learn from all the different aspects of the business, such as pricing, inventory, sales, ops, etc. Long-term, I’m interested in broader leadership roles, but for now, I’m embracing the learning curve.”
What would Abby tell someone just entering the industry? “Don’t overlook the value of industries that aren’t always in the spotlight,” she said. “When I was just starting out, I didn’t know much about this space and assumed I’d end up at a big, well-known company—the kind you see on billboards or in commercials. But I quickly realized how much opportunity exists here. The work is meaningful, the problems are complex, and there’s a lot of room to grow if you’re curious and motivated. It’s a great place to build a career.
When she’s not at work, Abby can often be found enjoying the outdoors with her golden retriever, Bradley. “He keeps me active and on my toes,” she laughed, adding “I love walking him along the lakefront in Chicago. Outside of that, I enjoy golfing, playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with family and friends—especially when I can make it back to St. Louis to visit home.”
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Each year tED magazine recognizes 30 of the industry’s best and brightest under the age of 35. Please visit tEDmag.com/30Under35 for nomination information and updates about the 2026 program. Questions can be sent to tED Editor Misty Byers at mbyers@naed.org.
Tagged with 2025 30 Under 35, 30 under 35, Atkore, people