As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Ashton McGehee, Industrial and Graphics Designer

This year taught me the power of perseverance. After losing a close family member, I learned how to face grief with resilience and stay grounded when life feels overwhelming. Through this experience, I have gained a newfound confidence in handling stress and being someone others can count on. This skill has helped me continue to put my heart into my work and be a steady support for my family.

Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of transparency in building strong professional relationships. Asking for help has always been challenging for me, but being honest and reaching out for support has improved my communication and strengthened team dynamics. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the kindness and encouragement of my colleagues. Their support has motivated me and reminded me that openness is a strength that builds trust and drives innovation. Moving forward, I plan to continue embracing transparency as a core part of collaborating with others.

Personal and Professional Growth

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Social Media team, which has expanded my network and deepened my understanding of Leggett by introducing me to branches I hadn’t engaged with during my previous seven years at the company.

I’ve greatly enjoyed collaborating with new faces while continuing my work with the Management Information Systems (MIS) team on the development and launch of the Home Furniture Data Management Tool – an application two years in the making – designed to streamline data processes and efficiency across the organization.

Through being a part of such impactful projects, I have gained a deeper sense of gratitude for the work I do. Having a role I truly enjoy has provided both purpose and a reprieve during difficult times. I’m thankful for the opportunity to contribute in ways that matter and for the relationships that made 2025 a year of growth. These experiences inspire me to carry that momentum into the year ahead.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Jagan Viswanathan, Supply Chain Specialist

One key lesson I learned this year is that trust and leadership empowerment drive ownership and innovation. When leaders provide clarity and autonomy, it encourages accountability and creative problem-solving, ultimately leading to better results.

Professional Growth

I have had the opportunity to play a dual role in Operations and Supply Chain. This experience has broadened my perspective, allowing me to diversify my thinking and better align supply chain strategies with process excellence. It has strengthened my ability to integrate operational insights into strategic planning, ensuring efficiency and resilience across the value chain.

Leadership & Collaboration: This year, I’ve taken on more cross-functional projects, which has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different countries and cultures. I’ve learned to adapt to diverse behaviors and communication styles, which has improved my interpersonal skills. Additionally, I’ve gained the confidence to manage tasks successfully from anywhere, ensuring productivity regardless of location.

Project Management Skills: I have significantly improved my project management skills this year. I’ve learned to handle projects end-to-end, including drafting detailed plans, executing them effectively, monitoring progress, mitigating risks, and preparing for potential headwinds. This structured approach has strengthened my ability to deliver results under challenging conditions.

Exposure to Top Management: I have gained valuable exposure to top management this year, which has helped me understand strategic priorities and decision-making at a higher level. This experience has improved my ability to align operational tasks with organizational goals and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Decision-Making Ability: I have strengthened my decision-making skills by handling complex situations, evaluating multiple options, and choosing the most effective solutions under pressure. This has helped me make informed choices that align with organizational goals and minimize risks.

Personal Growth

One of the key aspects I value this year is the trust and clarity the organization provides. We are given clear objectives and the freedom to work towards them, which empowers us to take ownership and deliver results. This supportive environment has also enabled me to maintain mental peace and achieve a healthy work-life balance, allowing me to stay productive and focused.

Adaptability: I have learned to adapt quickly to changing priorities and stay calm under pressure, becoming a more self-driven and resilient person.

Communication: I have worked on improving my communication skills, especially during calls. I’ve learned to speak slowly and clearly, ask questions to ensure understanding, and prepare thoroughly for meetings.

Learning: I have undergone Foundational Leadership training, which has helped me refresh on topics such as giving feedback, the importance of meeting with team members one-on-one, and conflict management.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Clint Blissard, HR/Safety Manager

I have learned the value of honesty and teamwork and see how beneficial these traits are to a team in a production environment. Sometimes it takes persistence and can be uncomfortable, but working together benefits our team and our company.

Personal and Professional Growth

I learn something new every day. In a fast-paced environment, it is easy to get bogged down by everything coming at you at once. This applies to any role. I have learned that an open and honest work culture makes everyone’s work life more enjoyable and increases productivity.

As we wrap up this year, we invited colleagues around the world to reflect on and share their achievements, challenges, and goals.

Naomi Lopez, Bilingual Employment Coordinator

Personal and Professional Growth

Over the past year, I’ve grown significantly in my role as a Bilingual Employment Coordinator.

Personally, I’ve become more flexible and patient. Recruitment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, and this year taught me how to stay organized under pressure while maintaining a positive candidate experience. I’ve also gained confidence in my communication and decision-making skills. Overall, I’ve become a more well-rounded, people-focused recruiter, and I’m excited to keep building on that growth.

In our Hydraulic Cylinders business, we manufacture engineered hydraulic cylinders used in mobile equipment applications and heavy construction equipment. Our products often operate in demanding environments where equipment dependability is vital in maintaining the safety of personnel and goods.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Wenli Yuan, Production Supervisor for our Hydraulic Cylinders business!

Wenli has been with L&P for 13 years and credits his group’s leadership with helping him grow into a good supervisor at Pacoma China.

“We are fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated team where every member devotes themselves wholeheartedly to their work,” says Wenli. “Over these years, I have deeply cherished the trust and opportunities bestowed by the group. To this day, I remain passionate about my work here, and I am committed to contributing greater value to Pacoma’s development.”

Thank you, Wenli, for lifting up your team and doing great work together!

At our Hanes Industries branches, we convert textiles into components used by manufacturers of bedding, upholstered furniture, and home furnishings accessories.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Cynthia Benfield, Bag on Roll Machine Operator at Hanes Industries!

Cynthia has been with Hanes for 23 years and currently makes bags and covers for various types of furniture.

“I am proud of my job and always try to perform with the best of my knowledge,” says Cynthia. “Outside of work, I like to go kayaking and do gardening around the house.”

Thank you, Cynthia, for taking pride in your work!

In our Flooring Products business, we manufacture and distribute foam, rubber, and fiber-based flooring underlayment for residential and commercial use. Our products provide support, cushioning, and noise reduction under all kinds of flooring, including carpet, laminate, and hardwoods.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Dickie Thornton, Clamp Truck Operator for our Flooring Products business!

He operates the knuckle boom crane and grinds foam scrap to make rebond carpet padding.

“I’ve been working with L&P for two years, and I am proud of the duties I perform,” says Dickie. “Outside of work, I am a sound technician and work with a sound engineer for music bands.”

Thank you for taking ownership and pride in your work, Dickie!

We’re a leading supplier of automotive seating comfort and motors and actuators. Our seating products are designed to enhance consumer comfort, and our motors and actuators deliver differentiated consumer conveniences and safety features.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Karthick Ravichandran, Quality Technician Supervisor for our Automotive business!

Karthick has been with us since 2009 and currently helps ensure our seat cushions are high quality.

“Quality is never an accident – it’s always the result of intention, effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution,” says Karthick. “Over the years, I’ve cultivated a deep pride in my ability to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes, supported by my growing skillset and the collaborative team. Today, I continue to build on that foundation, bringing efficiency, empathy, and strategic insight to every challenge.”

Thank you for ensuring our products are high quality, Karthick!