HomeWork features AHAM members’ and partners’ insights into careers, success, life outside of work, and AHAM membership. This month, we spoke with Andy Doberstein, Group President,  Refrigeration - Composition Brands.

How did you get started in the home appliance industry?

I got my start in the home appliance industry in 1998 with U-Line, after spending a short time in the commercial foodservice industry. At that point, I had recently realized that finance wasn’t the right long-term career path for me and had decided to pursue a degree in engineering. My wife was working at U-Line and let me know about an opening in the engineering lab. As luck would have it, a major snowstorm hit on the day of interviews, and I ended up being the only candidate who showed up. That twist of fate gave me my opportunity.

I worked full time at U-Line while attending school and ultimately earned my engineering degree. That experience of learning in the classroom while applying concepts in real time in the lab gave me a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the industry.

What early experiences and mentors had the biggest impact on your career path?

Working full time while attending school had a tremendous impact on me. It sharpened my focus and helped me understand which concepts truly mattered in the real world. Being able to immediately apply what I was learning in class made the education far more meaningful and practical.

Early in my career at U-Line, I worked for Tom Rand, an exceptionally talented engineer who had a major influence on my development. He challenged me technically, encouraged critical thinking, and gave me opportunities to take ownership of projects early on. Having someone that smart invest time in your growth makes a lasting impression, and I’m grateful for the foundation he helped me build.

What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?

While I don’t spend as much time doing hands-on engineering today, I’m especially proud of being named on more than 20 patents throughout my career. For me, patents represent more than just technical innovation — they reflect collaboration, persistence, and the willingness to challenge conventional thinking.

Seeing ideas move from concept to protected intellectual property that supports the business is incredibly rewarding. It’s tangible evidence of the impact engineering can have on both product performance and long-term company success.

What are your secrets to having a productive day?

Calendars fill up quickly, and it’s easy to spend the entire day reacting instead of leading. I’ve learned that productivity starts with intention. I make it a priority to block time on my calendar — even short windows — to think, prioritize, and organize my day before it gets away from me.

That planning time allows me to focus on what truly moves the business forward rather than just what feels urgent in the moment. I also try to group similar tasks together, minimize unnecessary meetings, and ensure that each day has a few clearly defined outcomes. A full schedule is fine — but a productive schedule requires deliberate structure.

What personal goals are you currently pursuing outside of the office?

 I’m intentional about investing time with family and making sure I’m present outside of work. Creating that balance helps me recharge and maintain perspective.

What does your company gain from AHAM membership?

AHAM provides tremendous value by helping us stay ahead of constantly evolving regulatory and compliance requirements. In an industry where standards, energy regulations, and safety requirements are continually changing, having access to timely information, advocacy, and industry collaboration is critical.

Beyond compliance, AHAM offers a forum for shared best practices and collective problem-solving, which ultimately strengthens both our company and the broader appliance industry.

Outside of the appliance industry, what would be your dream job?

If I weren’t in the appliance industry, my dream job would be opening a restaurant. I’ve always loved to cook. There’s something incredibly rewarding about bringing people together around great food and creating an experience they enjoy and remember.

My early time in the commercial foodservice industry gave me an appreciation for the pace and creativity of that environment, and that interest has never really left me. While engineering and innovation have been my professional focus, the idea of building a restaurant from the ground up — developing the concept, perfecting the menu, and creating a place people genuinely enjoy — is something I would find very fulfilling.