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.

Meet Titus Hefner, Machine Intelligence Data Analyst!

Titus joined L&P in early 2023 as an engineering intern. While interning, he performed inventory analysis, machine reliability analysis, and preventative maintenance support for our Bedding business. He also assisted engineering teams responsible for new cutting-edge measurement machines and worked on designing and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for production. With support from these teams, he became an expert on the machines and served as a resource for training, documentation, troubleshooting, and development.

After a year and a half, he accepted a full-time position as a machine intelligence data analyst. In this role, Titus assists with the creation, implementation, and support of our machine intelligence initiative, which introduces real-time monitoring of manufacturing performance, product quality, and product traceability.

“The most exciting part of my role is being on a team that introduces and stands up a state-of-the-art group of technologies,” says Titus. “I am fortunate to be on a team whose primary interest is the success of its members. Everybody I work with is dedicated to lifting each other up, including those who are just starting their career. Steve Wright, Ryan Middleton, and Randall Wood were all instrumental in helping me find my groove here and giving me the room to grow.“

In addition to having supportive teams, Titus credits his ability to learn quickly for his career growth:

“Rather than trying to amass a large pool of technical knowledge, I focus on my ability to learn quickly. Knowledge comes with time, but learning how to learn is far more important and far more unique of a trait.“

For interns looking to transition to a full-time role like he did, he offers some advice:

“No matter your scope of work, try to be on as many teams as possible. Because I collaborated with more teams than required, I learned new skills and found the role I am in. I never knew I wanted to pursue a career in AI until my manager gave me an opportunity to learn.“

Outside work, Titus enjoys playing the guitar, shooting guns and bows, hunting, camping, and spending time with his blue heeler, Remington. He’s finishing his last semester of undergraduate and preparing for graduate school.

We’re grateful to have Titus on our team and we wish him the best this year!