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.

Meet Demian Waller, Organizational Change Management Specialist! Demian has been with us for one year and is part of our Change Management team.

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

A typical day for me includes meeting with leadership teams from different departments, discussing changes coming to L&P, and sharing how our Change Management team can assist with the strategy, implementation, and execution of these changes.

I enjoy working with various teams and collaborating to reach a common goal. Change Management is important because it allows organizations to utilize proven methodologies and tools to ensure that any major changes are met with less resistance and higher success rates.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my two sons and their creativity, optimism, and zest for life.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

To me, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of men and women of color who have contributed to the shaping of our great nation.

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.

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.  

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like to introduce you to Dwayne Phills! Dwayne is a Senior Manager of Global Network for our Corporate Information Technology (IT) Department.

Tell us about work.

I manage a dynamic team of voice and network engineers. The two major projects we are working on are Global Network Transformation (GNT) and Global Voice Transformation (GVT). GNT is focused on re-engineering the network across all business units, and GVT is focused on bringing a unified voice platform across our business units. 

A typical workday can include several interactions with engineers and managers for many projects and initiatives across the globe. There may be long hours due to our global presence and the need to operate in several time zones. One day, we could be designing an entire branch network or troubleshooting suspicious activity. The next day, we could be routing voice or data traffic across the globe.

We are the backbone of IT—we connect the dots and ensure information arrives safely as it traverses the world. The network is often referred to as a living and breathing organism that constantly changes, which can make for an interesting day. 

I enjoy the responsibility of making the impossible happen, and this wouldn’t be possible if it were not for a fantastic group of voice and network engineers. They’re my work family, and I wouldn’t be able to get through the day without them. They are what I enjoy the most about my job.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my children (son, daughter, nieces, and nephews). I pour a lot into them and am very proud of who they have become.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black people throughout history. It’s a time to acknowledge the impact that Black individuals have had on society, culture, politics, and various fields, even in the face of systemic racism and discrimination. It’s an opportunity to educate ourselves on the history of the Black community, celebrate the accomplishments of Black individuals, and raise awareness of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

For me, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the work that is needed to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone. I personally take this time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire change for the future.

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like to introduce you to Sandrica Hardy! Sandrica is a Customer Service Representative for our Hanes location in Houston, Texas.

Tell us about work.

I like to start each day by reviewing my schedule to ensure I prioritize any calls or orders and complete any prep work for them. Then, I usually answer emails while I’m still fresh.

For me, work is like a home away from home. My colleagues and I get along like family, and we work together every day to exceed our customers’ expectations, which is very important to me.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my family and friends. Even though they’re far away from me, they never stop showing me the love and support I need to get through the day.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means the world to me. As an African American woman, it’s been instilled in me to always be proud of who you are and to never let anyone take that away from you.

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like you to meet Mark Phillips! Mark is a Quality Technician Supervisor for our Flex-O-Lators location in Carthage, Missouri.

Tell us about work.

My typical day is very busy because I supervise approximately 50 people and work to ensure we are meeting our shipping demands.

I enjoy my job because I get to make a difference at L&P and help make improvements to our processes.

What are you most proud of?

What makes me proud is having a heart to serve others. I believe that getting outside of the self and helping another person without wanting to receive something in return is truly a gift.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month gives me a greater appreciation for all those who have helped bring equality into the world. I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to help make a difference at a company like Leggett & Platt.

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about work, what they’re proud of, and what this month means to them.

We’d like you to meet to Cardinal Ferguson! Cardinal is an Operations Manager for our Hanes location in Houston, Texas.

Tell us about work.

A typical day starts with a walk around the facility, which gives me an idea of what’s going on around the branch and a chance to greet team members and customers. After that, I head to my desk to address the needs and concerns of internal and external customers.

In operations, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. It is my job to ensure that we function in rhythm to deliver the best results.

No two days are ever the same at our Houston branch. There is always a customer that needs exceptional service, and I love to rise to the challenge. I am enthusiastic and an outside-the-box thinker, so this position is a thrill for me.

What are you most proud of?

There have been several challenges growing up as a Black man in the United States. I have been overlooked, underappreciated, and judged because of the color of my skin. However, thanks to the upbringing of my parents, I have been able to push past those adversities to enjoy life. Despite the oppression, I am proud of my heritage, and I am proud of my ancestors and policy changers who made it possible for me to be the man that I am today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time of reflection and recognition, focusing not just on the struggle and pain but also the history, culture, and accomplishments that lead the way for our modern lives. It’s about realizing that Black history is world history, and it is a part of us all. I am Black history, 365 days a year.