Employee Spotlight: Kenny Gay

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.

New Year, New Perspectives: Victoria Campagna

To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Last but not least, meet Victoria Campagna! Victoria is a Technical Writer for our Corporate Information Technology (IT) Department.

What brought you to L&P?

L&P is an amazing company with a wonderful culture, and I really feel like I found a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to working and growing with my new team.

What’s something unique about you?

I have visited 10 different countries and hope to add more to that list!

What’s your biggest goal for 2023?

My biggest goal for 2023 is to be the best person I can be in my new role.

Honoring Black History Month

Each year in February, the U.S. observes Black History Month, which recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions of African Americans. We’re sharing a few resources and events you can attend to learn more about African American history, achievements, and resistance to oppression.

Background

Throughout the history of the U.S., contributions by African Americans have enriched our country and culture but were largely excluded from our nation’s story. To change this, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland created the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) with a goal to highlight these contributions and ensure they were not forgotten.

Eleven years later, Woodson and Moorland started Negro History Week, which was dedicated to increasing public awareness of the contributions and achievements of African Americans. They chose the second week in February because of the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and many Black communities held Both Douglass and Lincoln in high regard.

During the civil rights movement, the week began transforming into a month-long celebration, which many were calling “Black History Month.” President Ford was the first president to officially recognize Black History Month in February of 1976.

Since 1928, ASALH has assigned a theme every year. This year’s theme is Black Resistance, which focuses on African American resistance to oppression, both in the past and present. ASALH is hosting many virtual and in-person events for Black History Month, which you can find here: Black History Month Virtual Festival Schedule.

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more information on and ways to honor Black History Month, check out the following sites:

Stay Tuned!

Throughout the month of February, we will shine a light on several of our incredible L&P employees and share about several African American innovators.

Sources

History.com Editors. “Black History Month.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Jan. 2010, https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month.

Wurzburger, Andrea. “Black History Month Explained: Who Started It, Why It’s in February and More Facts You Should Know.” People, Dotdash Meredith, 1 Feb. 2021, https://people.com/human-interest/black-history-month-facts-and-history-what-to-know/.

Our Values: Take Ownership and Raise the Bar

During this month, we’ve been introducing you to the four company values that guide our everyday decisions and reflect who we are:

  • Put People First
  • Do the Right Thing
  • Do Great Work Together
  • Take Ownership and Raise the Bar ​​​​​​​

These values represent actions that we do to support one another, work together, and help our company grow. ​​​​​​​

This week, we’re sharing more about what it means to Take Ownership and Raise the Bar. Take Ownership and Raise the Bar demonstrates our responsibility to add value and make a difference, challenge the status quo and biases to make things better, foster innovative and creative solutions to drive impact, and explore new perspectives and embrace change.

New Year, New Perspectives: Elaine Chen

To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Next, we want you to meet Elaine Chen! Elaine is an Information Technology (IT) Systems Technician based in Shanghai, China.

What brought you to L&P?

I was drawn to L&P’s culture of mutual respect, friendliness, inclusivity, cooperation, and innovation. 

What I enjoy most about my job is that I keep learning. While it is easy for me to do most of my work, I run into complex issues sometimes. My job can be both rigorous and challenging.

What’s something unique about you?

I can play badminton with my left hand!

What’s your biggest goal for 2023?

My biggest goal for 2023 is to continue working at L&P.

Global Data Privacy Day

January 28 is Global Data Privacy Day, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of respecting privacy and protecting data. Whether it’s the personal information of our employees, customers, or suppliers, we consider privacy and data security in every step of our processes at L&P.

We want to take this opportunity to thank our employees for their commitment and dedication to protecting the privacy and security of personal data. We couldn’t do it without you!

New Year, New Perspectives: Danilo Tolentino

To kick off 2023, we’ve been introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Next, we want to introduce you to Danilo Tolentino! Danilo is a Strategy and Marketing Analyst for our Kintec-Reitberg branch in Germany.

What brought you to L&P?

I have a background in architecture education and three years of professional experience developing new business models and business-to-business partnerships for a Brazilian retail company that specializes in home furniture and accessories. For the past few months, I searched for an opportunity to work in an international environment within the furniture industry. While searching, I found the Strategy and Marketing Analyst position at L&P and applied.

I am thrilled about the challenges and opportunities ahead of me as a Strategy and Marketing Analyst. This role is a part of Leggett & Platt’s Home Furniture team and involves working alongside experienced colleagues in Europe and the U.S. and developing projects related to market research, brand strategy, and product innovation. That is exciting!

What’s something unique about you?

I love traveling! I have always dreamed about traveling the world and having the opportunity to experience different cultures and get to know people. I’m glad I have already started my chase! Let’s see how it goes in the years ahead. 

What’s your biggest goal for 2023?

My biggest goal for this year is to learn German. I moved from Sao Paulo to Berlin six months ago, so this is a challenge I am eager to take on.

Our Values: Do Great Work Together

During this month, we’ve been introducing you to the four company values that guide our everyday decisions and reflect who we are:

  • Put People First
  • Do the Right Thing
  • Do Great Work Together
  • Take Ownership and Raise the Bar ​​​​​​​

These values represent actions that we do to support one another, work together, and help our company grow. ​​​​​​​

This week, we’re sharing more about what it means to Do Great Work Together. We do great work together by engaging without hierarchy, collaborating as a team, embracing challenges, and working for the good of all of us.

New Year, New Perspectives: Renata Mattos

To kick off 2023, we’re introducing you to several of our newest employees and sharing their thoughts on the year ahead.

Meet Renata Mattos! Renata is a Human Resources (HR) Generalist for our branch in London, Ontario, Canada.

What brought you to L&P?

During the recruitment process and when I met my manager, I felt that this is my place. The way my manager conducted the interview, the questions she asked, and how she introduced me to the company and challenges made me feel like we share the same values.

I enjoy the diversity—not only about subjects and responsibilities but also the diversity of people. The opportunity to be in touch with people from different countries and cultures has been an amazing experience, and I’ve learned a lot.

What’s something unique about you?

When I arrived in Canada five years ago, I started to reinvent and challenge myself. Now, I am learning how to ride a bicycle.

Since childhood, I have never been able to properly ride one. I had some accidents with my cousins and friends, and I was the worst driver! I believe there’s still time to learn.

What’s your biggest goal for 2023?

This year, I want to be a strong business partner by helping my branch develop HR initiatives.

My branch manager is an incredible person. We are learning a lot together, and I am sure we will go above and beyond together!