Finding purpose and passion in her work
Over the years, Jody has come to deeply value both her role and the people around her.
“I enjoy what I do - modelling units and providing instruction on assembly - and have come to know and like the people I work with tremendously.”
Her enthusiasm for continuous learning has kept her engaged, motivated, and constantly expanding her expertise. The opportunity to grow her product knowledge and master new software tools has been a source of pride and fulfilment.
Jody’s career spans one of the most transformative periods in drafting history. She began using pencil, paper, a drafting board, and a T-square. When early computer-aided drafting tools emerged, she admits she was skeptical at first.
But with time, and an open mind, she moved from manual drafting to 2D AutoCAD and eventually to 3D model-based design using Inventor.
“Amazing changes!” she says, reflecting on the evolution she has witnessed and embraced.
Her adaptability and willingness to learn have been key contributors to her long-standing success.
Why she stayed: people, purpose, and pride
While Jody never expected to stay for more than 40 years, she jokes that longevity runs in the family: her father also spent more than four decades with the same employer.
In the early years as her husband, Ed Glauert, worked towards completing his college degree Jody became the primary wage earner. Ed completed hi8s degree and went on to own and operate a successful business.
Sadly, Ed succumbed to pancreatic cancer and passed away in 2004 at the young age of 46 and Jody met her second husband, Marc Lawhorne, when he came to work at SEMCO in 2005 as Regional Sales Manager, and they married in 2011. Through each of her life's chapters SEMCO( has offered stability, community and the opportunity to grow.
“I’ve learned new things almost daily and really enjoy the people I work with.”
Her commitment to maintaining a positive attitude and staying flexible in the face of constant change stands among her proudest achievements.
In her current position, Jody focuses on creating clear, precise models and instructions to support part fabrication and unit assembly. Ensuring accuracy is essential to achieving an efficient, and error‑free, final build.
Her daily routine includes reviewing emails, answering fabrication questions, providing support drawings, organising and updating drawing files, and managing Engineering Change Notices and Deviations.
Her deep product knowledge, particularly in modelling many wheels and unitary FV and SP product lines, remains one of her most significant professional accomplishments.
Outside work, family has always been at the heart of Jody’s life. She and her husband raised their son in the Columbia area and now enjoy the peace and beauty of their 27‑acre property in southern Boone County, which borders the National Forest.
At home, they share their space with two rescue dogs and a cat, and enjoy hiking, gardening, drawing and sketching, playing with their dogs, visiting family across the United States, travelling and reading.
With retirement on the horizon, Jody knows she’ll miss the people who have become both colleagues and close friends. Her story reflects the best of FläktGroup: dedication, curiosity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the people who make our work meaningful.
Her 40+ years of service highlight the power of embracing change, learning continuously, and finding joy in both the work and the community around you.
Headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, SEMCO is part of the global FläktGroup organisation and specialises in high-performance air treatment and energy recovery technologies.
