To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Ginna Gonzalez, College Programs! Ginna joined L&P in September of 2024.

What brought you to L&P?

For me, it’s the opportunity to serve as a brand ambassador to one of the largest global manufacturers, while helping others begin a career that can provide vast opportunities with a worldwide platform.  

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I’m enjoying meeting people at L&P and learning all the intricacies of our businesses and the impact we make worldwide.

What’s something unique about you?

I’m naturally high-energy and can function on what most people would call just a nap from day to day! The funny part – regular coffee puts me to sleep!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Absolutely, and I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to achieve them by the end of 2025!

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?

To me, doing the right thing means living by a moral code rooted in service to others. It means acting, responding, and leading in a way that is fair, honest, and genuinely good. It’s about having the courage to stand for what is ethical – even when it’s not the easiest or most popular choice – and doing so with integrity whether or not anyone is watching.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Wesley Yao!

Wesley is the General Manager of Leggett & Platt Hydraulics, Pacoma Fenghua, China.

What brought you to L&P?

I came to Leggett & Platt for a new opportunity. I also came because Pacoma has good products with great quality and reputation.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

Many quick changes and improvements are happening that I am excited about.

What’s something unique about you?

I am a very persistent person.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My main goal is to make Pacoma China even more successful in the coming years.

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?

We have to work as a team to do great work. We have a great goal ahead for Pacoma China, but it’s the existing aspect of doing the work to achieve our goals.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to some of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Lauren Dowling, Staff Tax Accountant!

Lauren joined L&P as an intern before becoming fulltime in September of 2024.

You got a full-time position after participating in our Doors program. How did that experience prepare for your current role?

In my experience, the Doors program provides exactly what it claims. I was given challenges to overcome, along with activities and meetings to make connections outside of my department. The program allowed me to work on projects that tested my skills and knowledge, and it also gave me a glimpse into what a career in this field would look like.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

There are many aspects of my role that I could list. It’s exciting that I get to interact with employees from our international branches. Also, I enjoy learning new functions that expand my skillset and feeling like a valuable member to my amazing team.

What’s something unique about you?

My two younger sisters are twins and were born on my second birthday. We were often mistaken for triplets as kids, and having the same birthday was always fun to explain. Our birthdays are also right after Christmas. Sorry, Mom!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

I am currently enrolled at Missouri State University to obtain a Master of Accountancy. During my master’s program, I will also work on passing CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exams.

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?

It means taking accountability for your mistakes and learning how to avoid them in the future.

Entering a new position or company can be intimidating and the pressure can make you feel like you must know everything immediately. I learned that admitting mistakes and asking for help makes you a valuable employee. It shows that you’re open to feedback and willing to learn. It can be hard to take ownership, but it creates trust. That’s how you raise the bar – by working to better yourself and improve your methods.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Star Kendall! Star joined L&P in July as a Territory Manager for Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Keller, Texas.

What brought you to L&P?

Although I was born and raised in Texas, my lineage directed me to work for L&P. I am the third generation to work for Leggett & Platt. My grandfather, Grady Barnett, was the Plant Superintendent in Houston, MS, in the 1960s. My mother, Wanda, worked in the Sample Department when she was in high school. L&P is a leader in the floor-covering industry with innovative products, solutions, and logistics and has a great culture. 

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

L&P has strong leadership and direction. Our team works collaboratively, and we have fun!

What’s something unique about you?

I’ve been running 5 miles, 5 days a week, for nearly 30 years.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

It is easy to get distracted. One of my goals is to be mentally present and mindful of those around me. 

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?

Issues will inevitably arise. Be grateful for the feedback! It is not personal. The sooner I accept responsibility for a situation, the faster I can address the problem, set a goal, and work toward a solution.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Bethel Ofori-Kwafo! Bethel joined L&P in May 2024 as a Sustainability Intern, excited to contribute to the company’s efforts to integrate sustainable solutions into its operations and projects.

What brought you to L&P?

I was drawn to L&P because of its authentic commitment to sustainability – not just in isolated projects but as a guiding principle across all operations. Whether it’s reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering energy-efficient practices, or embedding sustainability into its decision-making processes, L&P sets a standard for actionable environmental stewardship. Joining L&P felt like the ideal next step in my career, allowing me to align my engineering skills with meaningful change.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

What I enjoy most is how my role allows me to see the interconnected nature of sustainability in business operations. Each project not only builds my technical expertise but also reinforces how small, deliberate change contributes to a larger environmental impact. It’s so rewarding to know the work that I do here contributes to solutions that are innovative and scalable.

What’s something unique about you?

I’ve played the piano for more than 12 years!

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Professionally, I aim to deepen my understanding of sustainability frameworks and contribute to L&P’s efforts in driving energy optimizations and emissions reductions. Personally, I’m focused on learning from my team – Tamara, Melanie, Justine, Barry, and Alex – who each bring unique insights into advancing sustainability. My goal is to take these lessons forward and refine my approach to solving environmental challenges.

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?

To me, doing great work together means building a collective vision for sustainability. At L&P, collaboration allows us to combine our knowledge to tackle complex problems. By leaning on each other’s strengths, we not only achieve shared goals but create long-lasting solutions. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and together we can drive meaningful progress.