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 Wilton Hailey! Wilton is an electrician with more than 36 years of experience and is a part of our team in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Tell us about work.
My job consists of troubleshooting electrical breakdowns to working with mechanics when needed—whatever it takes to keep our product moving safely through the door.
I really enjoy the people I work with. Our management and HR teams are very approachable and create a great work culture through leading by example.
What are you most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment is a team achievement with my wife. We put two daughters through college, and our oldest son is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. We started all over again with our 8-year-old, pictured with me here.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month can be described in one word—sacrifice. There have been so many people who have sacrificed so that me and my family can live the American dream. So, to all of my Black heroes, “Thank 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.
Meet Lucy White! Lucy is a Customer Service and Sales Representative at our Hanes location near Savannah, Georgia.
Tell us about work.
I arrive at work a bit early to prepare for the day before our warehouse workers and customers arrive. Before the doors open, I make sure coffee is made and everything is accessible, so the day runs as smoothly as possible. I greet our warehouse workers and drivers, and then we open the doors.
My goal is to make everyone feel important and appreciated for the privilege to serve them. I ensure all orders are ready for the customers, because I know the importance of getting in and out as quickly and efficiently as possible. I greet every customer that calls in or walks in with a warm smile and I ask how I can help them. I answer every email with a thank-you.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is getting to meet new people, help them receive the products they need, and introduce them to products that they didn’t know we have. It’s important for me to ensure everyone leaves happy and satisfied so that when they need something else, they remember Hanes and the customer service they received. It’s exciting to see new and old faces walk through our doors and hear their voices on the phone. I try to make everyone feel like they are my favorite and that I’m always happy to see or hear from them.
What are you most proud of?
My family is what makes me proud and keeps me going! Raising three beautiful angels as a single mother is what makes me the happiest. I look at them and see pure joy in how they are exceptionally beautiful Black women—inside and out—who have hearts, smile like I do, love to help others, and spread love.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Connecting and closing the gap is what Black History Month is to me, as well as every day. It keeps me grounded, thankful for my culture, and thankful for how far we’ve come to accomplish what some believe couldn’t or wouldn’t happen.
It means that, even though we have different skin tones, we are still brothers and sisters, and we all bleed red. It means learning to let go of the past and move forward with love, forgiveness, and strength. It means lifting each other and inspiring someone to be the best they can be. You never know what a kind word can do or how a kind gesture can change someone’s life.
No matter where this life takes you, spread love and kindness instead of hate and evil. Give kindness, regardless of how people act or what they say—rise above that and move forward towards a better future of equality and peace.
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.
First up, meet Kenny Gay! Kenny is an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Manager for our Operations Services team.
Tell us about work.
I champion and am the liaison for four domestic business units—Home Furniture, Work Furniture, Aerospace, and Precision Hydraulic Cylinders. I help the branches within these business units with anything related to risk at their locations.
The branches call me when they have questions concerning risk, OSHA visits, and training. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it’s rewarding when I get to ensure our employees go home safely each day and that their families get them back the same way that they came to work.
What are you most proud of?
One thing that I am most proud of is serving my country in the military. That was very challenging and rewarding to be able to say, “I served my country and would do it again!” I’m also proud of the relationships and comradery that I’ve built with the L&P family over the years. I’m proud when I can say, together with the branches, that we’ve made a difference in changing the culture for the good of the employees.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and understand Black stories—to learn and spotlight those who have made a difference in our culture and history. It means looking back at the impact that pioneers and leaders of the Black community have had on our community and trying to model my life after some who came before me.
To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.
Last but not least, meet Victoria Campagna! Victoria is a Technical Writer for our Corporate Information Technology (IT) Department.
What brought you to L&P?
L&P is an amazing company with a wonderful culture, and I really feel like I found a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to working and growing with my new team.
What’s something unique about you?
I have visited 10 different countries and hope to add more to that list!
What’s your biggest goal for 2023?
My biggest goal for 2023 is to be the best person I can be in my new role.
To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.
Next, we want you to meet Elaine Chen! Elaine is an Information Technology (IT) Systems Technician based in Shanghai, China.
What brought you to L&P?
I was drawn to L&P’s culture of mutual respect, friendliness, inclusivity, cooperation, and innovation.
What I enjoy most about my job is that I keep learning. While it is easy for me to do most of my work, I run into complex issues sometimes. My job can be both rigorous and challenging.
What’s something unique about you?
I can play badminton with my left hand!
What’s your biggest goal for 2023?
My biggest goal for 2023 is to continue working at L&P.
To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.
Next, we want to introduce you to Danilo Tolentino! Danilo is a Strategy and Marketing Analyst for our Kintec-Reitberg branch in Germany.
What brought you to L&P?
I have a background in architecture education and three years of professional experience developing new business models and business-to-business partnerships for a Brazilian retail company that specializes in home furniture and accessories. For the past few months, I searched for an opportunity to work in an international environment within the furniture industry. While searching, I found the Strategy and Marketing Analyst position at L&P and applied.
I am thrilled about the challenges and opportunities ahead of me as a Strategy and Marketing Analyst. This role is a part of Leggett & Platt’s Home Furniture team and involves working alongside experienced colleagues in Europe and the U.S. and developing projects related to market research, brand strategy, and product innovation. That is exciting!
What’s something unique about you?
I love traveling! I have always dreamed about traveling the world and having the opportunity to experience different cultures and get to know people. I’m glad I have already started my chase! Let’s see how it goes in the years ahead.
What’s your biggest goal for 2023?
My biggest goal for this year is to learn German. I moved from Sao Paulo to Berlin six months ago, so this is a challenge I am eager to take on.
To kick off 2023, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.
Meet Renata Mattos! Renata is a Human Resources (HR) Generalist for our branch in London, Ontario, Canada.
What brought you to L&P?
During the recruitment process and when I met my manager, I felt that this is my place. The way my manager conducted the interview, the questions she asked, and how she introduced me to the company and challenges made me feel like we share the same values.
I enjoy the diversity—not only about subjects and responsibilities but also the diversity of people. The opportunity to be in touch with people from different countries and cultures has been an amazing experience, and I’ve learned a lot.
What’s something unique about you?
When I arrived in Canada five years ago, I started to reinvent and challenge myself. Now, I am learning how to ride a bicycle.
Since childhood, I have never been able to properly ride one. I had some accidents with my cousins and friends, and I was the worst driver! I believe there’s still time to learn.
What’s your biggest goal for 2023?
This year, I want to be a strong business partner by helping my branch develop HR initiatives.
My branch manager is an incredible person. We are learning a lot together, and I am sure we will go above and beyond together!
At L&P, our mission is to build businesses and a culture that are sustainable for generations to come, and Emily Yost, our Sustainability Intern, is helping us do just that.
Emily is currently enrolled in the Master of Energy and Environmental Management program and working towards a dual certificate in Environmental Planning and Geographic Information Systems at the University of Connecticut.
How did you become interested in sustainability?
My original major was environmental studies, but after taking a few sustainability courses, I decided to dual major in sustainability studies. I liked that I was learning to work with businesses to make them more sustainable for the future and helping them discover that working towards this was a great opportunity.
What is your favorite part about being a Sustainability Intern?
The feeling of growth when applying concepts and techniques I’ve learned feels like confirmation that I’m on the right track, and the idea that I can make a positive impact is satisfying. The projects are always exciting.
I think it is valuable to learn how a large company like Leggett & Platt works to develop robust sustainability plans. I think working with energy data is especially valuable for my master’s degree.
How will you apply your internship experience to your future career?
I’m going to take away how to build sustainability reports, compile and analyze data, and effectively collaborate with multiple departments, vendors, and federal organizations to carry out sustainability projects.
What’s a fun fact about you?
In my free time, I love to do yoga, learn to cook, and read.
One of the most exciting aspects of working for a global company is learning about our coworkers worldwide and the unique talents they bring to L&P. Dougal Campbell is the Global Director of HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems). Dougal lives with his family in Birmingham, England. We invited Dougal to share about his work, hobbies, and family life.
The Campbell Family
What is your career background, and how did you land at L&P?
My career has always been working between business needs and Information Technology (IT) services. Until 2021, I spent my entire career in logistics companies, a fascinating area with a lot of exposure to many different business sectors.
I have always tried to take the best from the people I have worked with, learning from anyone I can and building my view on what makes good management and leadership. I strive to live up to that standard daily as I build and lead the HRIS team forward.
Leggett & Platt has been a great opportunity to start my role from scratch, having always worked in existing teams/systems previously. Taking this role felt like an opportunity that was meant to be, and I have so much pride in being here now.
What do you do as a Global HRIS Director?
I once read that if you can’t describe your job in three words, you need to think long and hard about what you do. My short answer is, ‘I count people.’ My responsibilities at Leggett & Platt are to the business as a whole, more specifically to Human Resources (HR). I am responsible for building and maintaining global HR systems, which we are in the process of delivering.
I lead the team and the strategy for the global HR Information Systems, which, in time, will touch every employee at Leggett & Platt. I have a clear vision of what can be achieved – a vision I believe L&P can exceed, given its strength and dynamics.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The best part of the job is delivering something that makes people’s lives easier. Whether that’s directly in terms of day-to-day HR processing, leveraging our talent, or providing more transparency to our employees about their future and development at Leggett & Platt. We, as a team, are here to improve the business’s operations. There is no greater joy than to deliver against our shared HR vision.
What advice would you give someone who wants to begin a career like yours?
For me, focusing on a couple of core values has been key:
Find where you can add value – what is it about you that is valuable to the company?
Be flexible and ready to move between subjects – I have worked in many different areas, but always with the same focus of helping people achieve through technology.
Keep ambitious about what you can add, and don’t be afraid to take on a challenge.
Have the courage to try; failure should be seen, owned, and learned from.
Always find ways to improve your work area, even to the point that you are not needed.
Can you tell us about your family life and hobbies?
My family life is much like many people’s, focused on children and their development and finding time for life and pursuits outside work. I live with my partner, and our daughter has moved out of the family home and will get married next year. My son is still in school and remains a huge focus.
I enjoy the practical elements of carpentry, metalwork, and building. I like to cook and bake, although it sometimes turns out differently than I hope!
To kick off 2023, we want to introduce you to several of our newest employees and share their goals for this year.
First up, meet Melissa Shaddix! Melissa is a Technical Writer for our Corporate Information Technology (IT) Department.
What brought you to L&P?
I’m excited to be a part of the long history of L&P’s leadership in many industries and the new initiatives underway in the IT Department.
My new colleagues have been so welcoming and helpful! I joined L&P during a very busy time, yet so many people have taken time to get to know me and help me feel welcome. I think the collaboration and culture I’ve seen bode very well for my future here.
What’s something unique about you?
I went to a university with a prominent horticulture research department, and I had a part-time job grading the pecans harvested from research orchards throughout my state. The results of my grading were used in several multi-year research projects that impacted U.S. pecan growers. I never got to eat a single test pecan.
What’s your biggest goal for 2023?
I’ve seen a trend where some social media influencers set “yearly themes” as a baseline ideal to guide their intentions and decisions. I’d like to try it this year with the theme of “balance.” To me, practicing balance—both physically and mentally—can improve coordination during challenging tasks and help prevent falls and failure. In 2023, I’ll try to approach all of my goals with a focus on balance to ensure that I won’t just excel at one while neglecting the rest.
