Careers & Professional Growth: Dustin Starnes

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.

Meet Dustin Starnes, Project Engineering Manager!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I joined the company in 2017 after graduating from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s in engineering technology. During my internship, I created a poke‑yoked jig that helped operators cut a “Flex Cut” into a customer’s product. That project highlighted my technical skills and led to a full‑time offer as a Jr. Process Engineer.

As a Jr. Process Engineer, I worked on capital design projects across our facilities to eliminate top quality issues. A major highlight was helping design, build, implement, and sustain the “Mini Rail Laminator.” This machine was recreated multiple times and used across the network for several years, becoming essential for one of our major customers.

In 2021, I was promoted to Process Engineer, continuing to develop solutions for the production environment. During this time, I was named the Conover facility’s “Scrap Champion” by the plant manager. Leading the team to implement a standing program that continues to reduce scrap.

Recently, I was promoted to project engineering manager for the technical services group, and I look forward to making a lasting impact on our foam-pouring operations. 

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

The people I’ve worked with during my time at the company have been pivotal to my success. Dean Shook was my first mentor – a skilled machinist and fabricator who taught me metalworking and essential machining practices. Lonnie Blackburn has been an outstanding electrical and controls engineering mentor and a strong leader within our organization. Jeff Miller has always been someone I can turn to for conversations about the business and our industry.

There are many others I rely on for advice and guidance. The talented people on our team have consistently been the driving force in my career.

Has a piece of career advice or a mantra of your own stuck with you?

If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. And when you face a difficult decision, choose the harder path – it’s the right one.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy learning about other industries and how things work. I often spend time at the range improving my skills and knowledge around firearms, along with the gear and mindset that go with that world. I’m recently engaged and love spending time with my fiancé. I also make time for family events and stay close to my loved ones – they’re my priority.

New Year, New Perspectives: Lisa Merkovic

To kick off 2026, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Lisa Merkovic, HR Business Partner in Berndorf, Austria! Lisa joined L&P in October 2025.

What brought you to L&P?

I was drawn to L&P because of its strong presence in the automotive industry and the opportunity to contribute to a company that plays an important role in shaping innovative solutions for mobility. Joining L&P allows me to combine my passion for people and HR with an industry that is dynamic, future-oriented, and constantly evolving.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I really enjoy the openness and the supportive environment. It’s inspiring to see how colleagues across different teams, countries, and hierarchies work together and share knowledge. Being part of this culture makes my role both rewarding and motivating.

What’s something unique about you?

I can memorize almost every song that plays on the radio – my friends even call me “Wurlitzer.”

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Professionally, I plan to deepen my HR expertise next year by pursuing further training and certifications. For me, continuous learning is the best way to stay curious, grow, and bring fresh ideas into the workplace. I believe that when we invest in our own development, we not only strengthen ourselves but also inspire others to do the same.

On a personal note, I’ve recently set myself the fun challenge of relearning how to knit – my son has to make a hat for school, so I’m practicing again. It’s a reminder that learning new skills can be both useful and enjoyable, no matter how big or small they are.

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 The Right Thing?

For me, Do the Right Thing means acting with integrity and fairness, even when it’s not the easiest path. It’s about making decisions that respect people, build trust, and contribute to long-term success – not just quick wins.

Peterson Chemical Technology Branches Celebrate Safety Milestone

Our two Peterson Chemical Technology teams in Fort Smith, Arkansas, recently achieved an impressive safety milestone: two years without a recordable incident or lost-time injury!

To celebrate, branch teams held a banner dedication during a holiday dinner, and commemorative t‑shirts are also on the way for the teams.

Help us congratulate them on their achievement and commitment to safety!

New Year, New Perspectives: Eric Yu

To kick off 2026, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Eric Yu, Senior Sales Manager for Automotive! Eric joined L&P in September 2025.

What brought you to L&P?

I previously focused on Powertrain Products, which were central to driving performance. As comfort systems become increasingly important to automakers, I’m glad to be part of this transformation.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

Working with different technologies, products, and customers has given me a wide range of experiences. It’s also rewarding to achieve success together with our customers from a commercial standpoint.

What’s something unique about you?

I’m really just like anyone else, but I’m always happy to bring my energy and passion into both my life and my work.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

L&P is a leader in seating systems, and I hope that my efforts can contribute meaningful value to the company’s success as well as my own.

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?

If leadership is the blueprint, then teamwork is the foundation of success.

New Year, New Perspectives: Nina Pintgen-Laube

To kick off 2026, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Nina Pintgen-Laube, Director HR – Europe! Nina joined L&P in July 2025.

What brought you to L&P?

My esteemed colleague James Tilley contacted me, introduced me to the company, and offered me the opportunity to serve as HR Director for Europe. After that initial conversation, it was the personable and impressive people I met during the interview process who ultimately convinced me to join.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

What I enjoy most is working with the wonderful colleagues I’m privileged to collaborate with, as well as having the opportunity to improve things and make a meaningful difference.

What’s something unique about you?

I ride my bike to the office all year round – in both summer and winter – except on days when it’s pouring rain.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My professional goal for next year is to focus on organizational development and strengthen team spirit across the European region together with my team.

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, “Take Ownership” means that each of us is accountable for our own actions, but also responsible for the success of the entire company. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate roles and consider the bigger picture.

“Raise the Bar” is both a call and an incentive to keep improving. We shouldn’t settle for the status quo; instead, we should set ambitious goals for ourselves and continuously bring new ideas to life.

New Year, New Perspectives: Amelia Diaz

To kick off 2026, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Amelia Diaz, Communications Manager/Executive Assistant for Automotive! Amelia joined L&P in December 2025.

What brought you to L&P?

I was excited by the opportunity to join a company with strong values and a people-centered culture. When I learned more about L&P’s vision and the impact of its work, I felt it was the right place to bring my experience in communications, (Corporate Social Responsibility) CSR, and purpose-driven initiatives. The role aligned perfectly with my passion for meaningful work and for supporting teams in making a positive difference.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I’m really enjoying the warm welcome from everyone and the chance to learn from different teams across the organization. Every day brings something new, and I love the blend of communications, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.

What’s something unique about you?

I spent almost six years leading a large reforestation initiative in Mexico, where – with the help of over 4,000 volunteers – we planted more than 76,000 trees. Reforestation has become one of my biggest passions.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Personally, I want to continue learning, growing, and finding ways to inspire others through meaningful projects.

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?

To me, Put People First means leading with empathy, listening actively, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. When people feel seen and cared for, they are empowered to bring their best to their work and to their communities.

Corporate Credit Supports Our Communities This Holiday Season

This holiday season, our Corporate Credit team turned celebration into community impact.

The team assembled and donated birthday cake kits and basic essentials to Crosslines Ministries in Joplin, Missouri, along with financial support to help families in need.

We’re proud to see our employees finding meaningful ways to give back where it matters most. Thank you to the Corporate Credit team!

Happy New Year!

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

ICYMI: A Recap of 2025

As we wrap up 2025 and head into a new year, we’re recapping some of our favorite stories from this year!

To read the original posts, click the previews below.