As part of its 120th anniversary celebration, the Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) is recognizing leaders of longtime member organizations who have contributed to the Association’s longevity, the regional business community as well as their operations and industries. Here, Jana Goodrich, chief executive officer of Seaway Manufacturing Corporation in Erie, reflects on her leadership journey at the privately held, woman-owned and family owned manufacturing company that specializes in windows, doors and sunrooms. Goodrich is also a member of The MBA Board of Governors and the first woman to serve as its chairman in 2022–2023.
As an MBA Icon of Industry and leader of a successful family owned business, what core values and principles have guided your leadership style and business success?
Faith, family, striving for excellence and kindness — caring respect and consideration! I was raised with a strong faith and love of family and commitment to doing as much “good” in life as I could. The importance of always giving and doing one’s best, helping/caring for others, taking an active leadership role in various projects, always delivering the best, highest quality result I could, in school, in my career, and especially to family and friends, as well as participating in projects that promote the good of my community were woven into every thread of the fabric from which I’m made. These core values have guided every aspect of my life, both personal and professional. Lifelong learning and the importance of continuing education are imperative too.
Here again, I must give credit to my parents and family and how I was raised. Coming from a family of educators, always exploring and learning, pursuing knowledge and understanding, considering and respecting other opinions and perspectives, then making the best decisions possible with the knowledge I had been able to gain at the time were firmly ingrained in me.
Describe your journey to becoming CEO and how your leadership style has evolved over the years.
My career journey was very circuitous, which I consider a great blessing. An econ major as an undergraduate, I graduated and worked in sales and systems engineering for two Fortune 500 companies where I was fortunate to have the opportunity to observe and learn many excellent business and leadership practices. While earning my MBA, I began a management consulting firm, then taught Management and Marketing at Penn State University. I also was fortunate enough to work with the School of Engineering to develop and teach the course that was the beginning of the Interdisciplinary Business and Engineering degree.
When I joined Seaway, I had no industry experience or product knowledge for the most part. I immediately benefitted from my husband’s and our COO’s knowledge and long-tenured experience in the fenestration industry, who both enthusiastically educated me on the industry in general and every aspect of the Seaway companies specifically so that I could quickly move into the senior leadership position as they were retiring in the next few years.
Recognizing the value of teamwork and others’ knowledge and perspectives, I have always believed in a very inclusive form of leadership. I believe great synergies can be achieved through working with others and that there is great potential value in disagreement and different opinions. I have always tried to make everyone feel respected, valued and “heard.” Nonetheless, “the buck really does stop” at the top, and I would say I’ve become more comfortable making, communicating and executing difficult decisions.
What is the best business lesson you’ve learned during your career?
Humility. Other people’s knowledge or ideas are frequently better than our own; it’s important to make sure to listen and consider them before taking decisive action. This is closely tied to my belief in respecting team or family members’ opinions, knowledge and perspectives to get the best results.
Most mistakes are not fatal (thankfully) and my favorite “four-letter word” is N-E-X-T. Know that you will make them, but also that others will, as well. Handling your own and others’ challenging situations with compassion and grace is difficult but so important. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s also absolutely critical that we learn from them; ”debrief” when things go poorly, figure out how to avoid another poor result or how to get a successful result the next time, and move forward in a positive direction… NEXT.
You’vehadthegoodfortuneofworking alongside your husband (Chairman Michael Goodrich) and son (President Pat Goodrich) at Seaway Manufacturing Corp. How would you describe leading a multi-generational family business and how has it shaped your vision for Seaway’s future?
The responsibility of leading a multi-generational family business is both awesome and humbling. The fact that we are responsible for the livelihoods of almost 100 families is never out of mind, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
Everything we do is to benefit the long-term success of Seaway and our entire team.
We’re a “we.” A long time ago, Michael saw an interview with a couple who were each almost 100 and had been married over 80 years. The interviewer asked what their secret was to being married that long and the answer was, “We’re a we.” They went on to say that being a “we” means that you truly work together as one unit, one never does anything without considering how it will impact the other person, and decisions are made, actions taken, based upon what is best for the “we” as a whole whenever possible. Of course, no one is perfect, but Michael and I have raised our family that way as well, our children are raising their families that way, Michael and I have run the company that way, and Pat continues to run the company in the same way.
As we work together to shape the vision for Seaway’s future, we look for ways to continue to grow with product offerings, developing markets, and to further develop the markets we already serve. In short, we continue to build a strong future for our “whole family” — our personal family, our employees and our customers.
We have been and continue to be very family focused — not only with our own family, but with the entire “Seaway family.” We try to provide a respectful, professional work environment where everyone truly feels important and appreciated.
What are you most proud of when it comes to Seaway?
I am both proud and especially thankful that, through the efforts of our management team, employees and many longtime business associates, we continue to evolve our products and services, and be nationally recognized for producing some of the highest quality home improvement products available in the market today. As with most companies, especially small businesses, we’ve gone through both great and very challenging times. I’ve always believed that with challenge comes opportunity, and with the enthusiasm and dedication of our great team we have worked through the difficult times and come out stronger/better.
What is your fondest memory of The MBA?
The largest personal benefit/memories I carry with me are the relationships I’ve developed with the staff and the other Board members. It’s truly been my honor.
Why do you believe MBA membership is essential for their growth and leadership development?
The variety of information and services available through the MBA has shocked me over the years. There are an amazing number of resources available through the organization and the MBA’s professional network that make “large company” opportunities available to all size companies.
For more information about Seaway Manufacturing Corp., visit seawaymfg.com.
