To kick off 2022, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Hannah McAdams, who joined our Tupelo Sleeper facility in Tupelo, Mississippi. Hannah wears many hats in her role, coordinating continuous improvement, HR, safety, and environmental activities.

What brought you to L&P?

In the past, I worked as a manager in the restaurant industry and also tried my hand within finance. The open position with L&P really piqued my interest. The job description combined skillsets from my previous jobs and also added the exciting element of HR. When I researched L&P, I was also impressed by the number of veterans that have worked here for so long. It says a lot about a company when people stay – this showed me that L&P values its employees.

I’ve never felt more comfortable or happy with a job than I do now. I look forward to going to work every day. I know that I have a lot to learn, and I’ve only scratched the surface, but people are always willing to help and want to see me succeed. I couldn’t ask for a better career change and I look forward to all the opportunities ahead of me.

 What is something surprising about you?

I grew up on a small, third-generation farm in Northeast Ohio and spent most of my younger years showing livestock through my county 4-H. I have shown everything from poultry and rabbits to steers and hogs. I’ve since moved to Mississippi where I attended Mississippi State University (GO DAWGS!) and where I met my husband. After graduation, we came to call Tupelo home. Now, my husband, four-year-old son, and I love visiting the family farm on “vacation” and usually try to plan our time off around harvesting season and calving season.

What are your goals for 2022?

My professional goals are pretty simple. The main one is to learn my job and everything it entails. I also want to learn as much as I can about my facility and how things work throughout it. This is a whole new industry for me, and I’m excited to explore the ins and outs of every part of it. I also hope that I can bring some new ideas from my past positions and improve an already great company.

To kick off 2022, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Steve Bragg, Regional Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager within Bedding Products.

What brought you to L&P?

My employment for L&P was exactly what I wanted and at the exact time I needed it! Early in my career, I spent 16 years as a safety professional within the manufacturing and mining industries. About 4 years ago, my wife and I decided to focus on different goals and successfully navigated some entrepreneurial endeavors. Unfortunately, like many other small businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge that grew beyond our ability to overcome. I decided to re-enter the workforce but needed an organization that was truly committed to work life and family life balance. After my first interview, I had no doubt that L&P was where I wanted to be.

What’s something surprising about you?

My wife and I have a blended family of four kids: Jack (13), Jon (11), Bowen (10), and Gracie (7). The younger two are full speed ahead in sports, while the older two love the outdoors with hunting and fishing. I am the seamstress of the house! I enjoy sewing up torn blue jeans, taking in dresses or shirts, and whatever else needs to be done. I took a home economics class in high school and found that I enjoyed sewing, so I’ve been doing it ever since.

What’s you biggest goal for 2022? 

My goal for 2022 is to focus on perspective. With the increased stress and anxiety that COVID-19 has brought, it’s important to step back and gain a broader picture of the things I can directly impact. So many issues and people are under a microscope; it feels like a feeding frenzy of negativity. This further perpetuates the “cancel culture” we have watched take root. While I know I cannot change societal shifts redefining normality, I can actively influence my children and people within my inner circle. I want to focus my energy on creating positive momentum where I can.

To kick off 2022, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead. Meet Julie Boardman, Director of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity at L&P.

What brought you to L&P?

I wasn’t familiar with Leggett & Platt when I first heard about this career opportunity. During each interview, I found myself enjoying the people I met, and their authenticity and openness spoke to me. Positive cultures in which everyone feels heard and valued don’t just happen by chance, they are intentionally created and reinforced. I became very excited about the opportunity to help L&P be a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

What’s something surprising about you?

My wife and I are explorers. We’ve lived in 4 different states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado twice, and now Texas) in our 15 years together. Another unique thing about me is that I ride a motorcycle and love visiting new places and meeting new people.

What’s your biggest goal for 2022?

Professionally, my big goal is help everyone understand what inclusion, diversity and equity is and isn’t, and why it’s important for us at Leggett & Platt. Personally, I’m striving to make every moment count, especially when visiting my aging parents.

To kick off 2022, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Mitchell Brown, Director of Sales at Hanes, a division of L&P.

What brought you to L&P?

The story of how I started working at L&P is an interesting one. I was with my previous company for 37 years, and unfortunately back in early 2020, we stopped operations. Having worked in a similar industry, I was interested in joining L&P. I kept in touch with L&P for 18 months until I was finally able to join the company in August of this year. I am very grateful to be here!

What’s something surprising about you?

I’m not sure that there is anything really surprising about me. I am a 24/7 businessperson. My family and my career are everything. I have been married for 42 years, I have two daughters and 4 grandkids, and I still feel like a kid myself.

When I’m not working, I’m with my family and playing with my grandchildren. I try and get to the gym at least 5 days a week. I believe that a healthy body relates to a healthy mind.

What’s your biggest goal for 2022?

We have been through a couple of tough years. I truly believe that 2022 presents some tremendous opportunities for our company. My goal is to seize on the opportunities that are presenting themselves and to make our business better than ever. I’m really excited about what is in front of us and working with our team to make 2022 a great year.

To kick off 2022, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Tamara Cook, Sustainability Manager at L&P.

What brought you to L&P?

I was excited to join Leggett & Platt and contribute to making a positive impact on the environment. In my previous background in the government sector, I worked with cities and other government entities to implement large regional sustainability programs to reduce waste and energy consumption, conserve water, improve air and water quality, and implement numerous other environmental programs.

Leggett & Platt has a strong foundation of environmental excellence, and I chose this position because I saw the potential to use my experience to expand sustainability efforts throughout the company and business units. I look forward to working with a large number of team members to advance Leggett’s sustainability efforts and build upon all the great things happening in the company.

What’s something surprising about you?

I have two kids, ages 8 and 9. As of Christmas Day, we also have a new white lab puppy that the kids named Noelle! I play the violin in the Coppell Community Orchestra, a small orchestra in the town I live in. In between being a busy soccer and wrestling mom, I love to travel, hike, camp, and participate in any outdoor activities. I have a long bucket list of places I want to see someday and am working on instilling the travel bug in my kids!

What’s your biggest goal for 2022?

My two biggest goals for 2022 are to read more and work on my Spanish. I also want to continue traveling and see as much of the great U.S. and other countries and cultures as possible with my family – with a goal to make it to at least 5 National Parks in 2022!

To kick off 2021, we’ve introduced you to several of our recent hires and have shared their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet our final employee in this series – Rigo Marquez, Sourcing Director at L&P!

What brought you to Leggett?
I’ve interacted with members of the Leggett team before and always thought highly of the work environment here. It was important to me to join a company that treats their employees well. I have a Mechanical Engineering Degree and finally, the right job just came along. I appreciate that L&P applies technically savvy people in commercial sourcing applications to work with engineering, manufacturing, and suppliers.

I was nervous to make such a big transition during COVID-19. However, my previous experience in related products and commodities made the learning curve a bit easier. I’m very happy I made the choice to join the team.

What’s something surprising about you?
I’ve whitewater rafted about 20 different rivers throughout the world. Every time I had to stay a weekend in a foreign city for business, I’ve also visited the area’s zoo or museum.  I couldn’t even tell you the zoo count – but its higher than my rivers count.

I also enjoy working on cars and motorcycles as a hobby. I probably have more of each than what I care to admit to my wife. Lovely thing is that she tolerates me.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?
The one nice thing about Supply Chain is that its all numbers driven – very black and white. Because of this, my 2021 work goals are very specific. On a personal level,  I’m teaching myself more about robotics.

The ultimate goal is to teach my son more skillsets for his future, too – that will be the most fun.

To kick off 2021, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Roy Sawyer, a Supply Chain Specialist at L&P!

What brought you to Leggett?
I’ve always been interested in Logistics and Engineering. Understanding what L&P has to offer and being close to home, it has been on my radar. I was presented a job opportunity in the Supply Chain for the Adjustable Bed Group and was thrilled to take it! I’ve been studying Logistics at Missouri Southern State University and feel that this role will give me a better understanding with hands-on experience, especially in the unprecedented and challenging times today.

What’s something surprising about you?
I have two children, one that wants to participate in any sport that he can — makes for a very busy life! What free time I do have, I spend riding mountain bikes with friends and family.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?
For 2021, I plan to practice gratitude and reap the many benefits of it!

To kick off 2021, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Tom Cochran, an Employee Relations Representative at L&P!

What brought you to Leggett?

I was actively searching for a corporate role in HR with a major company and ran across this position. It seemed to be just what I was looking for. After the first interview, I knew it was the job for me. I’ve spent most of my career in an HR role in the restaurant industry. This opportunity has been a welcome change and I look forward to a long and exciting career with Leggett & Platt!

What’s something surprising about you?

I love to read and have a library of over 2,500 books! My newest endeavor is discerning patterns in history that might shape our future and learning to choose the best possible outcome. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and teenage daughter, listening to music — rock and country — watching college football, and enjoying my dog and cats. Most recently I was elected to the presidency of Hampton Roads SHRM for 2022, so I look forward to being part of a national conversation on Human Resources.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?

It may sound cliched, but my goal for 2021 is to be the best I can every day and make a positive difference in the lives of the people around me.  I believe I can do this here at L&P.

To kick off 2021, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Sneha Raza, an Electrical Engineer at L&P!

What brought you to Leggett?

I’m a recent college graduate from University of Colorado. I was actively looking for full time positions when I came across an opportunity at L&P. I applied with no expectations, but then I received a call from a recruiter, and the rest is history! I’m working as an Electrical Engineer and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What’s something surprising about you?

I’m from India and came here to pursue my Master’s degree. It’s usually surprising to people that I’m so well spoken — they usually don’t even realize that I’m not from the states! Friendships are important to me and I love to engage with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?

My biggest goal for 2021 is to be healthy and happy. I’m also making small, conscious efforts to be more eco-friendly!

To kick off 2021, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Katie Coleman, an Internal Auditor at L&P.

What brought you to Leggett?

I grew up in Russia, where I earned my degree in Linguistics and Education. After graduation, I moved to China to study Mandarin, where a met my husband who is from Missouri.

In 2015, I immigrated to the U.S. with him and he told me about L&P. I was very impressed with the global opportunities this company could provide. Last year, I decided to make a career change from teaching foreign languages to accounting. I knew this company would be the perfect place to utilize my skills. After interviewing with the Internal Audit team I could easily visualize myself being part of their group. It’s been almost a year now and I know I made the right choice.

What’s something surprising about you?

Usually, people are surprised to learn that I speak four languages. Besides English, I speak Mandarin Chinese and German, with Russian being my native language. I’ve also traveled, by land, all the way from Hong Kong to Scotland. The journey took me about 8 months. I’ve traveled to 30 countries and would love to visit Croatia and the UK again.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?

I’m always trying to be better tomorrow than I am today — and have a lot of plans this year. I’ve been working to obtain two professional certifications and will begin a Master’s in Accounting program this fall.

I also have a few books that are currently waiting to be opened on my bookshelf. Finally, I would not turn down an opportunity to add a couple of new countries to my travel list. I hope the situation around the globe is safe to allow it!