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.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Megan Frank! Megan joined L&P in January 2024 as an HR/Office Manager at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

What brought you to L&P?

I was looking for a change from my role as a consultant. As soon as I started meeting the people through the recruitment process, I knew I wanted to be part of the company.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

The people and the support! Everyone I have met through L&P has been friendly and helpful!

What’s something unique about you?

I enjoy the mountains and being outdoors, hiking, kayaking, or riding our side-by-side UTV.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My professional goals are to continue to grow in my position at L&P and serve on a non-profit board locally.

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 Put People First?

To me, Put People First means keeping the people of L&P at the forefront of everything we do. This includes considering their personalities, values, backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses. The people of L&P make the company exceptional – they are our greatest asset. So, it means keeping that asset at the forefront of all decisions.

To kick off 2025, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues. We’d like you to meet Atoosa Maleki! Atoosa joined L&P in October as a Batch Chemist at Leggett & Platt Flooring Products in Tracy, California.

What brought you to L&P?

I worked in a startup for several years. While I enjoyed the project and the challenges, the financial instabilities of startups led me to seek opportunities in a well-established and stable company like L&P. Its commitment to making life more comfortable for people with impactful products and the chance to work on a new project made it an ideal place for me to grow both personally and professionally.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I am on the project team at the Tracy branch. I thoroughly enjoy the collaborative environment and the opportunity to take on a project that challenges me to apply my expertise in new ways. The team has been incredibly supportive, and it’s exciting to be part of a manufacturing process that is coming to life.

What’s something unique about you?

I have a background in art and love painting in my free time. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to approach problems from a different perspective – helping me think outside the box in my personal and professional life.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

Professionally, I am focused on successfully building and launching a project for the company. My goal is to ensure the project runs smoothly, efficiently, and with high quality so it becomes a success for both the team and the company.

Personally, I aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance and explore more of California’s beautiful nature. Being in nature is a great source of inspiration for both my personal and professional growth.

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 Put People First?

Putting people first means fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. It’s about valuing each team member’s contributions, recognizing their unique strengths, and ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed. At the same time, it means delivering products that improve the lives of our customers by meeting their needs and enhancing their comfort. By prioritizing people within the company and beyond, we build a stronger team, encourage innovation, and create an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve success together.

To kick off 2024, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees. Meet Max Thorpe, Human Resources Generalist for our Work Furniture business!

What brought you to L&P?

I had a major injury at the beginning of the year, which landed me at the foot of L&P. I was not knowledgeable about the global brand, but on a local level, I understood how significant the business was to the area, and I knew how many opportunities L&P could provide for me.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I love interacting with my team. I am all about the people, and I love my daily PPE (personal protective equipment) walks. They allow me to spend time talking to the team, learning about them, and building relationships. I also really enjoy the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) aspect of my role and being able to learn the standards of the manufacturing industry.

What’s something unique about you?

Even though I currently live in Michigan, I am a HUGE Philadelphia Eagles fan, and I lived in Pennsylvania for the last six years.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

My professional goals are to complete my master’s program at Eastern Michigan University and complete my SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management—Certified Professional) and OSHA certifications. My personal goals are to buy a home and travel to another country!

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?

To me, taking ownership is another way of taking accountability—being handed an issue or a project and developing it from beginning to end. Raising the bar means not settling—keep innovating or problem solving. I truly feel that the team we have in West Michigan lives up to these standards daily.

To kick off 2024, we’re introducing you to several of our newest colleagues, and we’d like you to meet Justine Kimbel! Justine is a Sustainability Coordinator.

What brought you to L&P?

I was instantly drawn to L&P when I saw that a company with such a significant global presence in design and manufacturing was looking to get ahead in sustainability. After three years of research and advising small-scale start-ups on sustainable business practices, impacts of environmental policy, circularity of production, and sourcing of responsible materials, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge and experience by applying it to a global scale. I have a deep curiosity for understanding how business operations reflect society’s relationship with the environment, and L&P stood as an incredible opportunity to build, grow, and enhance that relationship. As a leader in innovation, quality, and comfort, L&P’s ambition to raise the bar and create lasting positive impact is something I knew I wanted to be a part of.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

The highlight of my role has been the people I have worked with thus far. There is a strong sense of community throughout Leggett, and it has made me feel incredibly welcome. Adjusting to a new role can be challenging and confusing, but thanks to the generous help and guidance from everyone I have worked with, I’ve been able to jump in with ease.

What’s something unique about you?

When I’m not spending my free time exploring coastlines or mountains, I am playing acoustic guitar and writing music. I’ve performed as a singer-songwriter in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Scotland, and England. I love hosting music get-togethers with family and friends and enjoy sharing the universally understood language of music.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

A personal goal I have set for myself is to be a go-to resource for sustainable business practices. Through professional experience on L&P’s Sustainability Team to industry conferences and opportunities for specialized education, I hope to build a personal network that allows for sharing ideas, innovations, and communities that all work to create a better, more sustainable future.

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 Do Great Work Together is to create a strong network of knowledge and resources that champions each person’s skills. The mindset of working as a team, knowing who to ask for help, feeling confident in your voice, and knowing that everyone has each other’s back creates a positive, productive, and closely-knit environment.

To kick off 2024, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees, and we’d like you to meet Sadier Hena! Sadier is a program manager for our Automotive business.

What brought you to L&P?

I have a great interest in being part of L&P as the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of seating support and comfort systems. When I initially read the description for my current role, I saw a strong correlation between L&P’s needs and my skills. Additionally, my experience during the interview process showed me that the company values putting employees first and promoting cooperation between cross-functional teams.

What are you enjoying about your role so far?

I enjoy collaborating with our global cross-functional teams. My role allows me to learn about all aspects of each project from commercial and technical points of view. Furthermore, I am very blessed to have an amazing team, and I am truly grateful for their expertise, creativity, and support.

What’s something unique about you?

I am a passionate salsa and bachata dancer. I spend most of my free time practicing and attending dance festivals across Europe.

Have you set any personal or professional goals for yourself?

As a program manager, I would like to take on new challenges, work with different teams and customers, and have a portfolio of successful projects. I also want to continue to grow professionally and contribute to L&P’s growth.

As for my personal goals, I would like to spend more time with my family, pursue my hobbies, and have a healthy work-life balance.

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 Put People First?

When it comes to company success and growth, it’s all about people. If the company takes care of its employees, the employees will take care of their customers, which will lead to satisfied customers and business growth. Putting people first will not only drive business growth but also increase job satisfaction, work quality, and productivity.