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 Alison Lavelle, Branch Manager in Conover, North Carolina!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I’ve been with L&P for 21 years, and it has been a journey of continuous learning and growth. I started in customer service, where I focused on learning our customer base and products and worked closely with sales and the warehouse. Over time, I had opportunities to take on more responsibility, which led to being a customer service manager for three branches. Each step taught me something new about the business, our people, and myself. Today, those experiences have shaped how I lead and how I approach challenges.

I currently serve as Branch Manager for our Home Furniture branch in Conover, North Carolina, overseeing daily operations, supporting our team, ensuring strong customer relationships, and driving results for the branch. The most exciting part of this role has been the opportunity to develop people and help them grow. Watching someone gain confidence, master a new skill, and advance in their own career is incredibly rewarding. Every day brings something different, and that variety keeps me energized.

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

I have been fortunate to have leaders and colleagues who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Their support—and sometimes their gentle pushing—helped me see my own potential. I have also leaned heavily on tools like training programs, development workshops, and learning from hands‑on experience. All of that made change feel less intimidating and more like an opportunity.

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

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” Always push yourself just a little more than you are comfortable and you might just find you could do it all along. It is a reminder that even when something feels challenging or uncertain, it may be exactly what I need to take the next step. I also believe in showing up, treating people with respect, and staying curious—those simple habits go a long way.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I love hiking and visiting vineyards. Having time to recharge and do what I love helps me come back to work refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

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 Jake Hill, Product Development Supervisor in Tupelo, Mississippi!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I joined L&P on September 16, 2024, as a testing/sample technician at our Tupelo Sleeper branch, testing new and existing mechanisms for continuous improvement. As I began, I created best practices for standardizing testing for rocker/recliner mechanisms and sleeper mechanisms.

A short time later, my responsibilities expanded into managing shipping and receiving for the engineering group. I created a manual inventory system to monitor parts that were received and worked with local customer service managers to ship samples to our customers. I also helped in the sample shop, alongside engineers and technicians, to build project samples.

In October of 2025, my leadership team encouraged me to apply for my current position. As a product development supervisor, my responsibilities include managing engineering personnel, such as drafters/designers, shop technicians, and engineering technicians. I also focus on enhancing the shop’s safety procedures, developing a sample shop scheduling process, implementing an inventory management system, enhancing the shop’s efficiency and organization, and establishing quality inspection process for shop samples.

I really enjoy my new role. I get to meet and build relationships with, not only people in L&P, but also customers and suppliers. Meeting new people and building relationships has always been a passion of mine. I also enjoy the challenge this new role brings. I’ve been tasked with mainstreaming engineering organization and reporting, and I can accomplish this with help from my network. My supportive network contributed to my favorite saying: “I may not know the answer, but I know someone who does!”

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

My military experience helped me overcome many of my past personal and work-related issues. Being in the military was all around difficult, and there were days when I wanted to give up – but the feeling of accomplishment kept me going. The harder the task, the more satisfaction I feel after tackling it.  

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

I learned a powerful lesson from my squad leader – Staff Sergeant Hillhouse – at my first duty station. All the lower enlisted (E4 rank and below) were tasked with cleaning the bathrooms. As we all cleaned and complained, Sergeant Hillhouse walked in, took off his coat, and started cleaning with us. I asked him why he would do that because I had never seen someone with his rank do something like this. He said, “How can I ask someone to do something I am not willing to do myself?” Those words stuck with me and became my mantra for leading by example.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My wife calls me a social butterfly. I fit in well with any group of people because I like different things. I love any kind of sport. I also like to watch anime, read books, and play video games with my son. When I’m not at work, I spend most of my time with my wife and son.

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 Cheryl Martin, Senior Software Engineer!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I began my Leggett & Platt career as a Programmer Analyst, working on large product‑code expansion and Y2K initiatives on our IBM mainframe systems using COBOL and IDMS databases. Over time, I moved into Advanced and then Senior Programmer Analyst roles, supporting billing, sales, pricing, product, and financial applications.

My responsibilities grew significantly during the Microsoft AX 2012 implementation and later the upgrade to Microsoft D365. I contributed to the rollout of Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Cash and Bank, and P2P Payments, including the SK Global Treasury Automation and FXall LSEG applications. I also spent eight months in Detroit supporting the launch of the Business Process Transformation Automotive project, then joined the Corporate EDI team for four years. In 2024, I returned to the Business Process Transformation Automotive (BPT) initiative as part of the data‑migration team and later served as a subject-matter expert for the SK Global Treasury Automation implementation on the LPNA D365 project. Throughout these periods of change, I advanced from Technical Specialist to Advanced Technical Specialist and now to Senior Software Engineer. 

I currently support the Billing Admin application and recently joined the LPCS team. I also serve as co‑administrator for ESP CA‑Workload Automation. My work focuses on providing development and support that help our business teams operate efficiently. Because of my broad experience across applications and departments, I often serve as a liaison and subject‑matter expert on cross‑functional projects.

One of the most engaging aspects of my role is the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Supporting and collaborating across multiple business applications allows me to help bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, ensuring we deliver efficient, high‑impact results that support our strategic goals. Helping our stakeholders and business users in their day‑to‑day work – and assisting with timely resolutions – is especially rewarding.

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics CIS, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and an Associate of Science in General Business. But some of the most important lessons I’ve learned have come from the people around me.

I’ve been fortunate to have excellent mentors in every role. Collaborating on diverse projects has given me a deep well of experience, and in 2015, I was challenged to be ready to step into any project at any time. It was nerve‑racking at first, but it taught me adaptability, confidence, and the value of saying “yes” when a team needs support. I encourage others to embrace similar opportunities. Recently, I volunteered as a mentor in the IT Mentorship Program, where meeting new colleagues, sharing experiences, and offering guidance has been incredibly rewarding. Lifting others up not only strengthens the team, builds confidence, and aligns the team – it also helps you move more easily into new opportunities.

My grandfather, who ran a business across eight states, also shaped my work ethic. Spending summers traveling with him taught me that every role matters and that hard work, communication, and service are the foundation of any successful team.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My life is full and joyful. My children are grown, and my five grandchildren keep me busy almost every day. I also have a Labrador named Jack who loves the outdoors and keeps me entertained. My extended family and friends are spread across several states, and I love traveling to visit them. Over the years, we’ve explored coastlines, mountain ranges, national parks, and national forests – experiences that keep me grounded, connected, and grateful.

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 Caleb Arrowood, Branch Manager at Cleveland – Home Furniture in Cleveland, TN!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

My journey with Leggett & Platt began 11 years ago, before I joined the Marine Corps. I always knew I wanted to return to L&P, and I’ve been back with the company for almost two years now. I started as a Supply Chain/Quality Coordinator, which allowed me to work closely with team members across our BU and develop a strong understanding of how we operate and support each other. During that time, I have also begun pursuing my master’s degree. Today, I’m grateful to serve as the Branch Manager.

I’ve enjoyed helping shape the culture here at Cleveland. Creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and set up for success has been meaningful. When the team feels supported, performance, morale, and safety naturally improve. Being part of that progress has been incredibly rewarding.

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

My time in the Marine Corps gave me the foundation to grow personally and professionally. But my career at Leggett & Platt has been shaped just as much by the people I’ve worked with in Home Furniture. Support from other branches, our sales and engineering teams, our leadership, and the employees I’m fortunate to lead each day have made a real impact on my development. Every question they’ve answered, every bit of guidance they’ve offered, and every moment they’ve taken to help me grow have played a significant role in where I am today at Leggett & Platt.

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

Be the standard. The example you set becomes the culture you create.

It’s a daily reminder to bring my best, treat people with respect and understanding, and stay committed to growth. This mindset has helped me navigate challenges, build trust, and step into new roles with confidence and authenticity.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. Over the past few years, I’ve begun traveling to new places and discovered how much I enjoy it. Especially traveling out west – the mountains of Montana and Wyoming are my favorite.

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.