Author Archives

Meaghan Njoroge

Good conversation–there’s nothing better. I’ve always been a fan of people and the stories they tell. I started my career as a Talent Advisor for Leggett & Platt and got to hear good stories every day throughout the hiring process. Now I'm a Communications Manager and find myself telling good stories through writing. When I’m not at work, I enjoy photography–telling my own story from behind a camera lens. I’ve also been known to write a poem or two, which stems from a long-held interest in creative writing. After dreaming up wild characters and fantastical plots as a kid, I guess I just couldn’t keep my ideas in my head any longer. Someday you should ask me about Chester the Mini Dragon.

Employee Spotlight: How an IT Intern Makes His Mark in a Manufacturing Company

For proof that we hire some of the most talented and unique interns around, meet Charlie Kovacs.

By day, Charlie attends Missouri State University, where he’s wrapping up his senior year in a Computer Information Systems and Management program. By night, Charlie plays guitar in a garage punk band called The Scamps, and the ‘60s throwback group recently produced their first record.

On top of a busy college and music schedule, Charlie commutes an hour from Springfield, Missouri several days per week to work as an Information Technology (IT) Intern at Leggett & Platt’s Corporate Office in Carthage. Continue reading →

Feb 11 2016
By Meaghan Njoroge

Going Places Together: Leggett & Platt Hosts a Reception at Missouri State University

signsWe’re always searching for the best and brightest talent at Leggett & Platt. On November 5, our Talent Acquisition team hosted a reception on the campus of Missouri State University to strengthen relationships with faculty and staff.

Leggett & Platt employees including some of our leaders, managers, and MSU alumni, joined faculty and staff from across the university for an afternoon of networking and presentations. The event sparked new conversations about how L&P and MSU can work together to help students reach their potential and find opportunities after college.

Guest speakers from Leggett & Platt included Karl Glassman, President & COO, and Eric Rhea, President of the Bedding Group. MSU guest speakers included Clif Smart, President, and Jill Wiggins, Director of the Career Center. Continue reading →

Nov 13 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Spotlight: How an Engineering Intern Kept On Keeping On (And How it Has Paid Off)

If there’s one quality David Redick embodies, it’s commitment. While working in an auto body shop, his commitment to providing for his family led him back to college at 30 years old. His commitment to learning led him to pursue an engineering degree and an internship at Leggett & Platt. And his commitment to excellence during his internship led to employment as a Junior Engineer on our Bedding Product Development team.

DSC_9381Currently, he’s only two semesters away from graduation and a role as a full-time Product Engineer. Even with a busy school and work schedule, he managed to make time for an interview.

1. How did you get your start with Leggett?

I began as a Drafting Intern for the IDEA Center in 2012. As a student at Pittsburg State University, I heard about an internship opportunity with Leggett. After talking with my advisor about it, I interviewed and got the job! I was very excited to be part of the initial group of DOORS interns that year. Continue reading →

Sep 22 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Spotlight: How an Engineer Kept an Open Mind and Found Her Life’s Work

Silvia Wixson loves a challenge — but she also loves making an impact on those around her. She found both in her current role: “Ever since I first learned about the company, I’ve been drawn to Leggett & Platt and wanted to be part it.”

Originally from Paraguay, Silvia settled in Pittsburg, Kansas with her husband and three children (who she’ll tell you keep her very busy with softball season in full swing) where she received her Master’s degree in Engineering Technology from Pittsburg State University. Through a combination of quality assurance and engineering roles with an automotive supplier, Silvia learned about lean manufacturing where she discovered her passion for continuous improvement.

Continue reading →

Aug 04 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Photo Gallery: Environmental Affairs Kicks Off First Annual Green Fling

It may have been pouring outside, but rain didn’t stop our Environmental Affairs team from kicking off the first annual Green Fling at the Corporate Office. On May 29, our Conference Center transformed into a party with games, prizes, music, giveaways, and a photo booth. Recycling vendors collected employees’ recyclable household materials such as cardboard, aluminum, and even electronic waste. Check out a few of our favorite photos from the day!

Jun 12 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge
Gallery

Employee Spotlight: National ADDY Gold Winner Offers L&P Some Creative Inspiration

Matt Heflin drinks tea from a bright red, bulbous teapot. He doesn’t sit at his desk; he stands. Occasionally he perches on a tall metallic stool. His office lights are off but a tiny bit of sunlight peeks through his window.

He’s in his creative zone.

As a Graphic Designer for Leggett & Platt’s Creative Services, Matt partners with a team of artists and designers who form our internal advertising agency.

Hired in April 2014, Matt is still relatively new in his role, but his creative nature goes back many years. His longtime devotion to music, passion for ceramics, and love for painting led him to study Fine Art at Pittsburg State University, where he earned a degree in Commercial Graphics and Graphic Design. In college, he also received national recognition, winning the Student Gold Award from the American Advertising Association.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

In a word: projects. I design pieces of art for customers who are trying to build their brand, promote an event, or sell a product. I usually have about seven projects going at once, all of which vary in urgency. I constantly coordinate with the clients – asking them for more direction on the materials, trying to get artwork narrowed down, or seeking approval on finished items.

Continue reading →

Jun 02 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Employee Spotlight: Introducing Gustavo Lemos from Sorocaba, Brazil

Although Brazil is considered one of the world’s most promising markets, its volatile economy has proven frustrating for many businesses. According to Eric Rhea, President of Leggett’s Bedding Group, “Establishing a business in Brazil can be risky, but managing a successful business there can be even more challenging. After years of fighting unfavorable conditions, we’ve recently turned a corner and want to seize the opportunities we’ve developed.”

Gustavo comes to Leggett with an engineering background, an MBA, and years of experience as an Operational Director with 3M.

Gustavo Lemos (center) comes to Leggett with an engineering background, an MBA, and many years of experience as an Operational Director for 3M.

“We found the kind of leader who confronts such difficulties head on with Gustavo Lemos,” said Eric. Gustavo joined Leggett in November 2014 as the South America President over Leggett & Platt de Brasil, a facility in Sorocaba with 305 employees that manufactures residential furniture and components. Continue reading →

May 05 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Employee Spotlight: Russ Dunton & Jason Maneke Make an Environmental Impact

Russ Dunton & Jason Maneke

Jason (left) and Russ received the Indiana Governor’s Award in 2011 for their branch’s environmental efforts. “I had to wear a suit, so it was a big deal,” Jason joked.

Russ Dunton and Jason Maneke may be two of the most passionate people at Leggett & Platt. Both work at our branch in Kendallville, Indiana. Both exude excitement when they talk about their jobs. Both invest significant time and energy in their facility, the environment, and the intersection of those worlds.

Russ and Jason support a facility with 85 folks who work hard and stay put – the average employee tenure is 16.5 years! Their efforts have demonstrated how a single facility can make a large, ongoing impact on the environment.

Kendallville is a wire-forming business that supplies materials to the bedding and furniture industries. Russ currently serves as Branch Manager and has previous experience in engineering, IT, and machine design. Jason may wear the title Human Resources Manager, but he also oversees their safety, environmental, and continuous improvement efforts. Jason joined Leggett after being part of the plastics industry for many years.

Continue reading →

Apr 07 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Employee Spotlight on Sonia Smith: Fanning the Flame of Continuous Improvement

At Leggett & Platt, we care about finding a better way to do things. The whole company puts a priority on quality and continuous improvement, but some businesses, like our Automotive Group, have to meet extra high standards. “Customers expect their products to be free of defects,” explained Mitch Dolloff, Automotive Group VP. This requires rigorous improvement to designs, processes, and materials.

Perhaps no one embodies quality and continuous improvement in Automotive more than Sonia Smith. Armed with technical expertise, industry insight, and an incandescent personality, she’s the “go-to person for manufacturing and business process improvement,” according to Mitch. Based in South Wales, Sonia has been the Director of Quality and Program Management for our European automotive operations since 2006.

Continue reading →

Mar 03 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge

Employee Spotlight: How an Engineering Intern Kept On Keeping On (And How it Has Paid Off)

If there’s one quality David Redick embodies, it’s commitment. While working in an auto body shop, his commitment to providing for his family led him back to college at 30 years old. His commitment to learning led him to pursue an engineering degree and an internship at Leggett & Platt. And his commitment to excellence during his internship led to employment as a Junior Engineer on our Bedding Product Development team.

DSC_9381Currently, he’s only two semesters away from graduation and a role as a full-time Product Engineer. Even with a busy school and work schedule, he managed to make time for an interview.

1. How did you get your start with Leggett?

I began as a Drafting Intern for the IDEA Center in 2012. As a student at Pittsburg State University, I heard about an internship opportunity with Leggett. After talking with my advisor about it, I interviewed and got the job! I was very excited to be part of the initial group of DOORS interns that year. Continue reading →

Feb 18 2015
By Meaghan Njoroge
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