Category Archives: New Perspectives

New Year, New Perspectives: Mitchell Brown

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.

New Year, New Perspectives: Tamara Cook

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!

New Year, New Perspectives: Rigo Marquez

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.

New Year, New Perspectives: Roy Sawyer

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!

New Year, New Perspectives: Tom Cochran

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.

New Year, New Perspectives: Sneha Raza

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!

New Year, New Perspectives: Katie Coleman

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!

New Year, New Perspectives: Judith Kuhn

Happy New Year from all of us at L&P! To kick off 2021, we’re going to introduce you to a few of our recent hires and learn a little about them and their hopes for the new year.

Meet Judith Kuhn, one of our HR Directors in Europe!

What brought you to Leggett?
After my very first interview I was fully in — the next rounds of interviews just intensified this feeling. Everyone I met discussed putting people and their safety first, having open and constructive dialogues, and developing talent. These things are key for me in a working environment.

I’ve been working for 4 weeks now and can assure they’re doing just that. I can already see that the opportunity for supporting the business with HR are great — and look forward to the challenges that come with this position.

What’s something surprising about you?
Besides that I am a lawyer (strangely enough), my heart beats for horses – I have owned horses since I was 8 years old, competed for 16 years in dressage and jumping, and bred and trained horses. Even today, I try to go for a ride every day when I’m at home. It is my second life — fortunately my husband loves it, as well.

What’s your biggest goal for 2021?
To be happy! During these challenging times, I’d also like to support and coach L&P employees to reach their own personal and business goals. By supporting each other, we can ensure L&P remains a great place to work.

New Year, New Perspectives: Samantha Doubledee

It’s a new year, folks, and we’ve got some new faces at L&P! To kick off 2020, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Samantha Doubledee, a Controller who supports our Project Office within Marketing + Creative.

What brought you to Leggett?
I was previously employed at a local non-profit. However, when I learned about this position I knew there would be so much opportunity to grow within a corporate atmosphere. I’ve been challenged since my first day and have already taken on additional responsibilities in the Project Management Office. I’m excited for my future here at L&P.

What’s something surprising about you?
I married my high school sweetheart. It’s crazy to think we have been together 17 years. We have 2 amazing kids, and love to travel together. We have a bucket list of destinations, including a trip to visit his family overseas this year — it will be a great way to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary!

What’s your biggest goal for 2020?
2020 is the year of ME! I’m looking forward to taking time to get back on track mentally and physically. I love having a creative outlet and have been diving into my Cricut projects. I also have weight-loss goals, a travel wish list, and other goals that focus on being a better version of myself as a wife and mom.

New Year, New Perspectives ⁠— Jeremy Ward

It’s a new year, folks, and we’ve got some new faces at L&P! To kick off 2020, we’re introducing you to several of our recent hires and their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Jeremy Ward, Advanced Programmer Analyst in Information Technology at L&P.

What brought you to Leggett?
I was a Senior Software Engineer at Walmart for about 5 years. However, I moved to Joplin when I married my wife two years ago and I’d been making the long commute to Bentonville every day since. When I saw the job posting for this position, I knew it would be a great fit for my experience — plus it added about 3 hours back into my day!

What’s something surprising about you?
I own two small businesses.

My company 458 Digital provides photography and video production services, mostly for commercial clients. I create marketing content for local businesses, but I’ve also worked on location with the production crew for TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting and provided production work for several Warner Bros. movies.

Warden Tactical, my other business, provides NRA sanctioned training for people in the four-state area — including concealed carry permitting, firearm safety, competition shooting, and private lessons. It’s a great way to share the knowledge I gained as a Police Officer for the Air National Guard.

What’s your biggest goal for 2020?
I just hope to learn as much as I can about the company and my role in it. Part of that includes building upon the technical skills needed for this position — for example, I plan to complete advanced training in C#, which is a newer language for me.