Employee Spotlight | Life at Leggett

Internal Audit to Sustainability: Sarah Peterson’s Career at L&P

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our team members have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Sarah Peterson started her career with L&P in July 2017 as an intern in Internal Audit. In December 2017, she joined the Internal Audit team full-time. She progressed within the department in various roles, most recently serving as the Fraud and Due Diligence Supervisor, where she investigated complaints from our Ethics Hotline.

In September, Sarah made a career transition and was promoted to Program Manager of the Sustainability team. Leaving the Internal Audit team and moving to a new department and role was bittersweet but exciting.

“Internal Audit was my home – I met my husband and some of my best friends there. I loved who I worked for and saying ‘goodbye’ was emotionally tolling. When I was asked to help the Sustainability team, I knew it was time to fly. I had gained so much knowledge and experience, and it was time to share it. I’ve been able to point back to systems, people, processes, and skillsets that I was privy to during my time with Internal Audit. I’m so thankful it was my foundation – the exposure and opportunities are unparalleled.”

In her new role, Sarah is helping to assist and strengthen L&P’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) processes to make them more consistent and reliable.

“I’ve been enjoying learning about things such as greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint, as well as being behind the scenes of our Sustainability Report and working on compliance efforts pertaining to ESG regulations. I have never been busier!”

Looking back at her career, Sarah credits her willingness to step up and take on tasks as a catalyst for her professional growth.

“I’ve never waited for someone to ask me to do something. If I see that a need exists, whether it be a task, a project, help of some kind – I do it. I’ve always raised my hand, especially regarding cross-functional projects or opportunities that allow me to work with those I don’t normally get to. I’ve made many friendships and connections this way.”

Sarah hopes her journey inspires others to embrace change and pursue their goals.

“We all know growth happens within the discomfort. Have the confidence to know what you bring to the table, but also, and sometimes more importantly, the humility to know when you don’t have it all figured out. Ask the questions, offer insight, and remember we are all trying to get through life. Be kind.”

In life, Sarah’s most important title is mom. When she isn’t volunteering for the Women’s Employee Resource Group or working on sustainability goals, she spends time with her two-year-old son, Tuck.

“He is the craziest little boy, and I love every second of this climbing, bouncing, jumping, giggling, ‘mom-watch’ phase.”

Feb 21 2024

By Life@Leggett

Full Circle: Leonard Ruggiero’s Career at L&P

Leonard Ruggiero began his career at L&P in 1992, first in a temporary role, before becoming a packing machine operator full-time at Hanes Industries in Conover, North Carolina. Throughout the years, Leonard took advantage of every opportunity to change jobs and learn new skills, including running each machine, working in shipping and receiving, and even participating in a supervisor training program.

In 2007, Leonard became a Program Manager at Hanes Geo in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he collaborated with the Idea Center and other partners to develop more efficient machine processes. After ten years, he took on the role of National Integration, overseeing all branch moves from start to finish, including implementing and training on all systems during acquisitions, as well as training new team members.

Today, Leonard is back where his journey began over 30 years ago at Hanes Industries in Conover, serving as the Plant Manager. In this role, Leonard has had the opportunity to reconnect with many of the people he worked with for 17 years on machines, in the warehouse, and management.

“Bringing the skills and tools I have learned over the years to an established team like we have in Conover is a great part of this role. We have always had a great team here, and leading them is a privilege.”

Throughout his career at Leggett, Leonard has had many mentors who helped guide him and craft his growth and belief in himself, including Jerry Greene, Samantha Howell, Bruce Cloninger, Guy Ruff, Brett Graff, and Zach Cox. He credits these mentors for believing in him and wanting him to succeed. They also instilled many lessons in him, but the advice that resonated most was fairness.

“My mentors told me that if you are fair across the board, you will sleep well at night. Making decisions that can impact people or businesses is hard, and if your goal is to be fair, you will find those choices a lot easier.”

Looking back at his career, Leonard offers this advice to those contemplating a move within Leggett:

“Put in the work with care and dedication, trust your knowledge, and listen to your mentors. For me, self-doubt was a barrier I had to break through, and I learned after many years that our team does not give opportunities to people they don’t feel are ready. I also realized that mentoring never stops, and I have been trying to pay it forward to those around me.”

In his personal life, Leonard loves spending time with his wife of 30 years and his 16-year-old daughter. He is a coach and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, and when he’s not working on cars, he is trying to publish his second book.

Feb 20 2024

By Life@Leggett

Meet Carl Terry, Lead Person

During February, we’re inviting our colleagues to share about their roles, what their proud of, and what Black History Month means to them.

Meet Carl Terry! Carl is a Lead Person at one of our Elite Comfort Solutions (ECS) branches and has been with us for three years.

Tell us about work.

I am responsible for ensuring our packing production runs smoothly while maximizing productivity. I really enjoy working with my coworkers every day. We all come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives, which contributes to the quality of our work.

What are you most proud of?

My family.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the tribulations we have come through and recognize those who have pushed through those boundaries, allowing us to enjoy a better quality of life.

Feb 15 2024

By Life@Leggett

Efficiency and Safety: Bill Jiang’s Career at L&P

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our colleagues have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Bill Jiang has been with L&P for more than 20 years and was one of the first three employees who helped build the riveting line when our branch in Jiaxing, China, was established in 2002. Throughout his career, Bill has been a champion of continuous improvement and keeping his colleagues safe. His it’s-never-too-late-to-learn attitude helped him take advantage of many training opportunities at L&P.

In 2006, Bill was working as a shift leader and underwent training to optimize the riveting line. After returning from training, the riveting line exceeded the daily capacity limit of 3,000 pieces. A year later, Bill became the supervisor of the riveting line, and under his leadership, riveting efficiency increased by 33%. He received “Excellent Employee” and “Excellent Shift Leader” awards many times.

In 2012, Bill became the production manager of the riveting line. In this role, he took managed more riveting lines, addressed capacity challenges, and supported staff management. His local government in Jiaxing recognized him as one of the “Outstanding Employees of Xiuzhou District.”

In 2018, Bill became the Senior Manager of the Production Department, becoming responsible for all production lines and for environmental health and safety. Two years later, Bill was promoted to Director of the Production Department, which is his current role. During his leadership, he has implemented many safety improvements, such as installing infrared foot pedals at the riveting lines to reduce finger-related work injuries, and was granted the “Advanced Safety Management Award” by his government in 2022.

We’re excited to see where Bill goes from here!

Feb 13 2024

By Life@Leggett

Meet Dee Sawyer, Operation Compliance Manager

During February, we’re inviting our colleagues to share about life at Leggett, what they’re proud of, and what Black History Month means to them.

First up, meet Dee Sawyer! Dee – Operation Compliance Manager at Hanes – has been with us for 24 years.

What does a typical day at work look like for you, and what do you enjoy most about your role?

I truly love what I do! I’m usually traveling to another state to ensure branches are following L&P procedures. I travel frequently. Last year, I was gone for half of the year.

I enjoy meeting new people, visiting different branches, and helping others. It’s important for the branches to know that they have support.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud that I’ve worked my way up at Hanes. I’ve had 12 positions, starting with a truck loader. I started on second shift as a truck loader and have worked in different departments and through different shifts. Approximately six years ago, I started helping on the integration team by training other branches, helping with branch moves, and assisting with acquisitions. My work ethic was noticed, as I traveled to different branches and the branches started requesting my assistance. I was offered a position on the integration team, and I’ve been advancing ever since!

My advice is to always be true to your work ethic. No matter how discouraged you get or feel your work is being overlooked, be patient because the right people will notice, and your time will come when it should – that’s God’s timing. What’s meant to be will be!

What does Black History Month mean to you?

For me, it’s a celebration of everything we overcame and will overcome. It’s recognizing everyone who’s made a difference to get us to where we are today. It’s a month that reminds me to continue letting my light shine bright through adversity.

Feb 07 2024

By Life@Leggett

New Year, New Perspectives: Max Thorpe

To kick off 2024, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees. Meet Max Thorpe, Human Resources Generalist for our Work Furniture business!

What brought you to L&P?

I had a major injury at the beginning of the year, which landed me at the foot of L&P. I was not knowledgeable about the global brand, but on a local level, I understood how significant the business was to the area, and I knew how many opportunities L&P could provide for me.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I love interacting with my team. I am all about the people, and I love my daily PPE (personal protective equipment) walks. They allow me to spend time talking to the team, learning about them, and building relationships. I also really enjoy the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) aspect of my role and being able to learn the standards of the manufacturing industry.

What’s something unique about you?

Even though I currently live in Michigan, I am a HUGE Philadelphia Eagles fan, and I lived in Pennsylvania for the last six years.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My professional goals are to complete my master’s program at Eastern Michigan University and complete my SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management—Certified Professional) and OSHA certifications. My personal goals are to buy a home and travel to another country!

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Take Ownership and Raise the Bar?

To me, taking ownership is another way of taking accountability—being handed an issue or a project and developing it from beginning to end. Raising the bar means not settling—keep innovating or problem solving. I truly feel that the team we have in West Michigan lives up to these standards daily.

Jan 25 2024

By Life@Leggett

New Year, New Perspectives: Justine Kimbel

To kick off 2024, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues, and we’d like you to meet Justine Kimbel! Justine is a Sustainability Coordinator.

What brought you to L&P?

I was instantly drawn to L&P when I saw that a company with such a significant global presence in design and manufacturing was looking to get ahead in sustainability. After three years of research and advising small-scale start-ups on sustainable business practices, impacts of environmental policy, circularity of production, and sourcing of responsible materials, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience by applying it to a global scale. I have a deep curiosity for understanding how business operations reflect society’s relationship with the environment, and L&P stood as an incredible opportunity to build, grow, and enhance that relationship. As a leader in innovation, quality, and comfort, L&P’s ambition to raise the bar and create lasting positive impact is something I knew I wanted to be a part of.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

The highlight of my role has been the people I have worked with thus far. There is a strong sense of community throughout Leggett, and it has made me feel incredibly welcome. Adjusting to a new role can be challenging and confusing, but thanks to the generous help and guidance from everyone I have worked with, I’ve been able to jump in with ease.

What’s something unique about you?

When I’m not spending my free time exploring coastlines or mountains, I am playing acoustic guitar and writing music. I’ve performed as a singer-songwriter in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Scotland, and England. I love hosting music get-togethers with family and friends and enjoy sharing the universally understood language of music.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

A personal goal I have set for myself is to be a go-to resource for sustainable business practices. Through professional experience on L&P’s Sustainability Team to industry conferences and opportunities for specialized education, I hope to build a personal network that allows for sharing ideas, innovations, and communities that all work to create a better, more sustainable future.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Do Great Work Together?

To Do Great Work Together is to create a strong network of knowledge and resources that champions each person’s skills. The mindset of working as a team, knowing who to ask for help, feeling confident in your voice, and knowing that everyone has each other’s back creates a positive, productive, and closely-knit environment.

Jan 23 2024

By Life@Leggett

New Year, New Perspectives: Sadier Hena

To kick off 2024, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees, and we’d like you to meet Sadier Hena! Sadier is a program manager for our Automotive business.

What brought you to L&P?

I have a great interest in being part of L&P as the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of seating support and comfort systems. When I initially read the description for my current role, I saw a strong correlation between L&P’s needs and my skills. Additionally, my experience during the interview process showed me that the company values putting employees first and promoting cooperation between cross-functional teams.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I enjoy collaborating with our global cross-functional teams. My role allows me to learn about all aspects of each project from commercial and technical points of view. Furthermore, I am very blessed to have an amazing team, and I am truly grateful for their expertise, creativity, and support.

What’s something unique about you?

I am a passionate salsa and bachata dancer. I spend most of my free time practicing and attending dance festivals across Europe.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

As a program manager, I would like to take on new challenges, work with different teams and customers, and have a portfolio of successful projects. I also want to continue to grow professionally and contribute to L&P’s growth.

As for my personal goals, I would like to spend more time with my family, pursue my hobbies, and have a healthy work-life balance.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Put People First?

When it comes to company success and growth, it’s all about people. If the company takes care of its employees, the employees will take care of their customers, which will lead to satisfied customers and business growth. Putting people first will not only drive business growth but also increase job satisfaction, work quality, and productivity.

Jan 18 2024

By Life@Leggett

New Year, New Perspectives: Ciara Coleman

To kick off 2024, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees. Next up, meet Ciara Coleman! Ciara is a Litigation Attorney in our Legal department.

What brought you to L&P?

When I was recruited, I worked in casualty litigation at a trucking company and was curious if I would be a good fit because I didn’t have a background in manufacturing. However, the more I researched Leggett and the culture here, the more convinced I became that this would be a great fit.

What tipped the balance was seeing the investment into Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ID&E). For me, that showed that Leggett is a company that values diverse perspectives and fosters a culture of growth and openness to change. That’s been affirmed in every interaction I’ve had so far.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

So many things! Every day presents a challenge. Something new is always coming across my desk, which allows me to learn more about the business, the law, and our internal processes. I am thankful that my manager and department have a culture of curiosity that encourages everyone to learn from others and allows space to ask questions, collaborate on solutions, and meet with leaders across the company. I have learned so much in my role and know that I have so much more ahead of me, but I am grateful to be in an environment that will foster that growth and provide encouragement along the way.

What’s something unique about you?

I write short stories and am a competitive baker in my spare time!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My biggest goal is to further my knowledge in my current role. There is no greater teacher than experience, and the second-best teacher is someone who has already had that experience. So, most of my focus will be on learning from people within my department and throughout the organization. As part of that process, I look forward to growing my professional network and learning from those within it.

What does it mean to you to Do the Right Thing?

From my experience, when you are faced with the decision to do the right thing, you are in a place where IQ (intelligence quotient), EQ (emotional quotient), and values are out of alignment. In that situation, you must have the courage and integrity to make decisions based on values, not past habits, personal needs, or popularity. However, doing the right thing does not stop when a decision is made, or an action is taken; it is a continual process, a mindset of viewing every action through the lens of our values and being willing to question when those are not aligned.

Jan 17 2024

By Life@Leggett

New Year, New Perspectives: Andrew Hawkins

To kick off 2024, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees, and we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Hawkins! Andrew is a financial analyst for our Flooring Products business.

What brought you to L&P?

I was interested in joining a company with a lot of growth potential. When I saw the ad for a financial analyst at a such a large company, I knew that I would be able to learn a lot and strengthen my skills. After doing the in-person interview, I immediately felt that L&P was the right place.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I am really enjoying getting to know the business and working with people in different departments. Since I’ve been here, I’ve had the opportunity to tour a few locations and work with people in finance, sales, and operations management.

What’s something unique about you?

I can quote just about any Will Ferrell movie. My favorite movies of his are Step Brothers, The Other Guys, and Talladega Nights.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

A personal and professional goal that I’ve always had is to get a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. I am excited to say that I am in the middle of my MBA program and expected to graduate in 2024.

Our four company values are Put People First, Do the Right Thing, Do Great Work Together, and Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. What does it mean to you to Do Great Work Together?

It means collaboration. This is part of the reason why I love my role here—I am able to collaborate with many different people in many different departments.

Jan 15 2024

By Life@Leggett

Category Archives: Employee Spotlight