This article is part of a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
It makes sense that Abigail Pringle grew up on a cattle farm in Maine. Now she’s an executive at one of the country’s top fast food restaurants known for its “fresh, never frozen” beef.
The development director of The Wendy’s Co. is responsible for restaurant design, real estate, construction and franchise development. She oversees the development of the Dublin, Ohio-based company’s franchises and restaurants worldwide and, as president of the company’s international division, leads all aspects of the company’s business outside the US.
In addition, Pringle, who has been with the company since 2002, is the executive sponsor of Women of Wendy’s, the company’s employee network focused on the development and empowerment of women leaders.
Here, Pringle talks to Construction Dive about his own career advice and how he plans to advance Wendy’s international footprint.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Immersion in CONSTRUCTION: What do you do in your current job?
Abigail Pringle: I have served in my current role since June 2019. Although I am based in Columbus, near our headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, you will often find me traveling across the United States and visiting our international markets.
I collaborate with our international design, construction and development teams to accelerate our global growth. The work includes expanding into new markets, growing our franchisee system and optimizing our restaurants to meet changing consumer preferences, with our recent focus on building restaurants for the digital age.
What made you choose construction and development for your career?
The combination of strategic thinking and creative problem solving, rooted in an understanding of business economics, is what resonated with me in construction and development. I was proud to play a central role as Wendy’s returned to growth as a strategic focus in 2013.
Today, our vision to become the world’s most successful and beloved restaurant brand continues to push the possibilities of design, technology and innovation to deliver leading restaurant design and construction across our global footprint.
What are some of the initiatives you are working on now?
Working to build and grow requires constant agility and creativity to serve key stakeholders. At Wendy’s, that means focusing on the evolving needs of our customers, crew and franchisees while building a strong restaurant business model.
Our Global Next Gen Restaurant Standard is the latest example, with the design unlocking up to 400 times the digital capability of previous restaurant designs. Improvements to the restaurant’s construction include the addition of self-order kiosks, drive-through order pickup shelves, and dedicated parking lots for mobile order pickup and help create a more convenient experience for digital customers.
Global Next Gen lays the groundwork for better returns for our franchisees, improving the restaurant business model and shortening the payback period with simplified construction, lower capital expenditures and improved operating expenses.
What are some of your favorite projects to work on and why?
Our latest Global Next Gen restaurant design is one of my favorite recent projects. We’ve harnessed the power of thoughtful design and innovation to create a restaurant design standard for the digital age. We developed the design in collaboration with key stakeholders across the Wendy’s system, incorporating performance data from design simulations and feedback from franchisees, cross-functional teams and teams to ensure the design delivers a better experience for everyone.
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch three new Global Next Gen restaurants now open and serving customers less than a year after the designs were introduced, with over 200 on the way.
What about your international work?
In 2021, we launched in the UK as part of a plan to develop Europe and most recently announced a new master franchise agreement with Flynn Restaurant Group to develop 200 Wendy’s restaurants in Australia until 2034.
Flynn has been a great franchise partner for us in the US and we are excited to grow together in a new international market. It’s an important reminder of the importance of relationships, regardless of your industry. Ultimately, people make deals with people.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
Resilience is critical to your success in the construction field. Don’t be put off by any preconceived notions about who you think belongs in the industry. Instead, continue to develop your experience and knowledge.
I’m a big believer in understanding the economics of your business. Take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether through formal education, on-the-job training or industry events. When you’re grounded in understanding how to drive stronger financial returns, you’re more likely to earn a seat at the table.
It’s important to look for companies with mentors and role models who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your construction career. I’m proud to be a co-founder of Wendy’s first employee resource group, called “Wendy’s Women,” dedicated to encouraging and empowering women leaders within Wendy’s. Surround yourself with individuals who believe in lifting others up and give back the gift of mentorship when you can.
