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 you to meet to Cardinal Ferguson! Cardinal is an Operations Manager for our Hanes location in Houston, Texas.

Tell us about work.

A typical day starts with a walk around the facility, which gives me an idea of what’s going on around the branch and a chance to greet team members and customers. After that, I head to my desk to address the needs and concerns of internal and external customers.

In operations, there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. It is my job to ensure that we function in rhythm to deliver the best results.

No two days are ever the same at our Houston branch. There is always a customer that needs exceptional service, and I love to rise to the challenge. I am enthusiastic and an outside-the-box thinker, so this position is a thrill for me.

What are you most proud of?

There have been several challenges growing up as a Black man in the United States. I have been overlooked, underappreciated, and judged because of the color of my skin. However, thanks to the upbringing of my parents, I have been able to push past those adversities to enjoy life. Despite the oppression, I am proud of my heritage, and I am proud of my ancestors and policy changers who made it possible for me to be the man that I am today.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month is a time of reflection and recognition, focusing not just on the struggle and pain but also the history, culture, and accomplishments that lead the way for our modern lives. It’s about realizing that Black history is world history, and it is a part of us all. I am Black history, 365 days a year.

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 you to meet Paula Lewis! Paula is a Staff Accountant at our Hanes location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Tell us about work.

Auditing and reconciling company accounts is a portion of what I do as a staff accountant. Facing new challenges each day keeps my job exciting and interesting, and I find purpose as I continuously learn and grow in my position. 

I love helping people and aim to make a difference at work and in my personal life. I like to start each day by greeting my co-workers with a warm “good morning” and a big hearty smile to set the tone. 

My motto is “Always happy to help.” Being a team player is very important to me because I know that as a team, we are stronger, better, and more dynamic as a department and company. I strive to develop a good rapport with my colleagues and believe that superb customer service, good communication, and hard work are keys to an excellent work environment. 

What are you most proud of?

In my personal life, I am most proud of my daughter and her accomplishments. My proudest moment was when she graduated from an Ivy League school—Cornell University—with her second master’s degree. Her academic career includes degrees in psychology, professional counseling, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, and biomedical and biological research with a neuroscience specialty. 

She is starting her own business as a neurodivergent counselor to educate and empower people to create the life they dream of. Years ago, these accomplishments wouldn’t have been allowed or possible for my daughter, and for that, I am very thankful for progress and her perseverance.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

While this month is a time of reflection and heightened awareness of Black culture and the accomplishments of African Americans, there is still a lot of work to be done.

During this month and each day, I celebrate the past, present, and future accomplishments of all African Americans and their contributions to society for the greater good. I am proud to be employed by a forward-thinking company that focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion, and caring about people.

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.