Category Archives: Employee Spotlight

The People Behind Our Products: Victor Hernandez

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.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Victor Hernandez, Senior Process Improver for our Flooring Products business!

Victor has been on the team since 1984 and works on projects that improve our processes and productivity.

“I’m proud of so many things – the work that I do, the machinery I build to make L&P more efficient, and friendships I’ve built over the years,” says Victor. “When I build something and I see that it works, that’s the reward for me. When I joined L&P, I remember Bob Ambrose (rest in peace) was one of the first managers to trust me with the improvement process. I carry that commitment to this day and am proud of the results.”

When he’s not at work, Victor works on his home and classic cars. He has a 1969 El Camino that he would like to break apart and build back up from scratch.

Thank you, Victor, for focusing on continuous improvement every day!

The People Behind Our Products: Kenyada Sledge

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 Kenyada Sledge, Panel Cell Machine Operator at Hanes Industries!

Kenyada has been with us for four years and currently slits and perforates panels of fabric for various types of furniture and bedding.

“I am proud of my ability to work with my team members to get the job done right and meet our production goals every week,” says Kenyada. “Outside of work, I like to spend time with my kids and go to sporting events.”

Thank you, Kenyada, for doing great work with your team!

The People Behind Our Products: Bobo Schmidt

Our Home Furniture business is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality recliner motion mechanisms, seating systems, and sleep sofa hardware. Our products enhance comfort, motion, and style in upholstered furniture.

As we continue to celebrate Manufacturing Month, we’re introducing you to the hardworking and dedicated people behind our products. Meet Bobo Schmidt, Prototype Builder for our Home Furniture business!

Bobo has been with our Kintec team for 20 years, building prototypes, developing welding fixtures, and working closely with his team to improve our products.

“As a prototype builder and tooling specialist, I’m brought in whenever craftsmanship and creative problem-solving are needed,” says Bobo. “No two days are the same – and that’s exactly what I love about my job at L&P.”

Thank you for your creative solutions that drive impact, Bobo!

The People Behind Our Products: Murugan Muthu

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 Murugan Muthu, Assistant Manager for our Hydraulic Cylinders business!

Murugan joined L&P as a production technician in 2007 and leads projects that improve efficiency and enhance employee safety.

“I continue to embrace opportunities that challenge and inspire me,” says Murugan. “Looking forward to next year, I’ll focus on process optimization and using lean principes to eliminate waste. I’m excited to recharge, refocus, and lead with intention.”

Thank you, Murugan, for taking ownership and raising the bar!

The People Behind Our Products: Robert Deimund

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.

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

Robert goes above and beyond to assist others and ensures we produce quality rolls of carpet padding.

“I am most proud of my strong work ethic and attention to detail, which allows me to contribute to our quality products,” says Robert. “Outside of work, I like to attend church, work in my yard, and spend time with my family. I also like to take day trips and family vacations.”

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

The People Behind Our Products: Madelin Castro

October is Manufacturing Month! To celebrate, we’re spotlighting the hardworking and dedicated people behind our businesses and products.

To kick us off, meet Madelin Castro, Master Technician for our Bedding business! She’s been with us for almost 7 years and runs the coilers that help make our ComfortCore® units.

“I feel very proud to be learning a new job that I never thought I could do,” says Madelin. “I recently became a master technician, and I’m happy in this new position. I’m also happy that L&P gives us opportunities to advance into new and better job positions.”

When she’s not at work, Madelin enjoys shopping, spending time with her family, and going to church.

Thank you, Madelin, and congratulations on your recent promotion!

Valor ERG Spotlight: Meet Jon Gullette

At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.

To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Jon Gullette, Branch Manager at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products – Tracy, in Tracy, CA! We asked Jon about his military experience and why he joined Valor.

What would you like to share about your military experience?

I was fortunate to see many foreign countries during my period of service. I deployed six times during my career. During my sea tours, I deployed overseas four times with land-based anti-submarine squadrons (VP-46 & VP-9) and twice with a shipborne anti-submarine squadron (VS-38) aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) during the Persian Gulf War. My other duty stations include NAS Whidbey Island (P-3 Weapons system Instructor) and NAS Lemoore (F-18 I-level maintenance facility). I also had the great honor of advancing to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and working directly with the Commanding Officer of AIMD Lemoore.

What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?

I was motivated to join the Navy so I could see the world. My passion was for flying, and the job I took when I joined the Navy allowed me to do that as a Naval Aircrewman in P-3s, which were anti-submarine aircraft. I was able to visit places like Africa, Oman, India, Pakistan, Australia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and China. One goal was to set foot on every continent, and I was able to accomplish most of that. The only continent that I have not visited is Antarctica.

Why did you join Valor?

I joined Valor to help raise awareness of the struggle that service members face when they exit the service. It is a difficult transition even for people who stay only briefly. So, helping others be successful outside the service is very important to me.

Thank you, Jon, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!

Happy Global Talent Acquisition Day!

September 3rd is Global Talent Acquisition Day!

Every day, our TA professionals help connect job seekers around the world to L&P. We’re proud of them and grateful for their dedication to shaping a positive candidate experience and growing our L&P community.

Help us celebrate them by getting to know them a little better. We’ve got musicians, artists, animal lovers, and more on our global TA team!

  • April Lowe-Royster, Senior TA Manager: You’ll never see April without pearls on!
  • Carla Maselli, Senior Talent Advisor: Carla is teaching Junior – her cockatiel bird – to talk, but so far, Junior only knows how to bark thanks to Carla’s dogs. We’ll get him to say “Hi, Mommy,” soon enough!
  • Carley Smith, Senior Talent Advisor: Carley is a Minnesota Vikings fan (despite never having been to Minnesota).
  • Danielle Sattler, Talent Advisor: Danielle just welcomed a new puppy – a toy poodle named Lainey – into her home. Lainey has the cutest curls, lots of energy, and wants to chew everything!
  • Felicia Bond, TA Manager: Felicia’s passion and hobby is painting, and one day, she hopes to start an art-focused business. We’ve seen her art, and we know she’ll be successful!
  • Ginna Gonzalez, College Programs: At one point, Ginna’s dinner table hosted five languages, three time zones’ worth of jet lag, and one universal truth: laughter really is the best translator. Over the years, Ginna has had the privilege of serving as a host parent to international students – ages 7 to 60 – seeking cultural immersion and learning English.
  • James Tilley, Senior TA Manager: James lived in Spain as a child and speaks Spanish. Also, he’s got the cutest sausage dog named Oscar.
  • Jimmy Xia, TA Manager: Jimmy’s beard grows extremely fast – like he-can’t-miss-a-day-of-shaving fast.
  • Kathy Bolan-Thorman, Senior Talent Advisor: Kathy enjoys live theater and volunteers at several local venues. As a kid, she recruited the neighborhood kids and organized live shows in her garage – and only charged 10 cents a ticket.
  • Taelor Harden, HR Intern: Taelor plays the clarinet!

HR Leadership in Action: Renata Mattos Featured in Manage HR Magazine

We’re proud to share that one of our own HR leaders, Renata Mattos – Director of HR – Automotive, North America – was recently featured in Manage HR magazine!

In the article, “How HR Can Drive Strategic Initiatives in Times of Uncertainty,” Renata reflects on her over 20 years of experience across South and North America, highlighting how HR can create people-first workplaces that thrive even in the face of change and challenges. She shares insights on building resilience, fostering connection, and empowering employees – drawing on both her time at Leggett & Platt and her earlier career in Brazil.

Congratulations to Renata on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full article here: How HR Can Drive Strategic Initiatives in Times of Uncertainty

Valor ERG Spotlight: Meet Matt Caldwell

At L&P, our employee resource groups (ERGs) are communities where our colleagues can learn and grow together. We recently launched Valor – an ERG dedicated to creating a strong community that fosters belonging, support, and engagement for our employee veterans, military families, and allies.

To celebrate Valor’s launch and growth, we’re sharing members’ stories. This month, we’d like you to meet Matt Caldwell, VP of Hospitality Sales for our Flooring Products business! We asked Matt about his military experience and why he joined Valor.

What would you like to share about your military experience?

I served in the U.S. Army between 1984 and1988 as an air defense artillery specialist (16S) with the Stinger – a shoulder-fired missile designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. After basic training, I went to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, and served four years in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

What motivated you to join the military and what did you learn from your experience?

My dad served in the U.S. Navy and after hearing his stories and seeing photos, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the military. For me, the Army provided a standard that required performance at a higher level. Many of the skills I learned in the Army are ones I still use today.

Why did you join Valor?

I’ve always believed that those who served our country are special and deserve my attention. With Valor’s launch, it was a natural move to become a member and connect with others who have served, as well as their families.

Thank you, Matt, for your service, for sharing your experience, and for helping strengthen Valor’s community!