To our employees around the world:
To our employees around the world:
Next week, we’ll be at the bi-annual ISPA EXPO showcasing some of our bedding products and innovations through an exhibit called Boundless Sleep Solutions. One product visitors will get to see is EcoBase™, an integrated technology for hybrid mattresses.
Paired with Leggett & Platt innersprings, Eco-Base™ is a new alternative to the base foam used in many hybrid mattresses. This technology provides cost and inventory savings – all while maintaining great durability, shape retention, and compression recovery.
Learn more about what we’ll be up to at this year’s ISPA EXPO by visiting boundlesssleepsolutions.com.
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Brandon Love, Welder at our Work Furniture facility in Sparta, Michigan. He’s worked with us for 2 years.
“My primary role is welding, but I also have experience in fabrication, bending, and working in the robotics department.
I enjoy the work environment the most. Everyone is helpful and wants to see you succeed, which causes a close-knit and friendly atmosphere, making the job feel more like a ‘home’.
I am most proud of the lifestyle I’m able to uphold and the positive benefits that affect my close family and friendships because of my job.
This month is not only the celebration of the achievements of African Americans, but also a reminder of the progress we’ve attained and what has yet to come. Black History Month creates a narrative of overcoming adversity and creating a generation of every race, color, or creed which will be more understanding and accepting than the last.”
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Roderick Brazil, Warehouse Manager at our Furniture Distribution Center in Conover, North Carolina. He’s been working with us for 15 years.
“I started my career through the prison work release program as a Bed Assembler and then switched jobs to Order Picker. Once I got on the Shipping/Receiving side, I saw an opportunity and started learning all the ins and outs of the operation.
This learning allowed me to be promoted to the Warehouse Lead. My manager, Faye Bolick, took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, which helped me to get into my current role as Warehouse Manager.
What I enjoy most about my job is communicating, connecting, and helping people. This is important to me because I like to build relationships with the employees as well as the customers. Being in a position where I can help people grow and see their potential is exciting.
I am most proud of my two sons. Black history gives me the chance to look back at the hard work and the paths that were paved for me to grow and be where I am today.”
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Terry Sylvester, Fabrication Welder at our Work Furniture facility in Sparta, Michigan. He’s been with us since 2019.
“I most enjoy the environment that L&P has to offer. I like to surround myself with positivity. I also enjoy the people that I work with daily, which is important because most of your time is spent with your coworkers. Having an enjoyable atmosphere while working everyday adds value to my job.
I am most proud of being a father — my three kids come before anything. I try to set the best example I can for them, giving back and paying it forward is something I try to do daily. Show and teach them along the way.
The celebration of achievements and contributions of Black individuals during the month of February reminds me of growth and setting that example daily. To see where we started, to learn and grow along the way is something to be proud of for anyone. But, the milestones that Black individuals accomplished is motivation to continue to strive for the top.”
From March 8-10, we’ll be in Orlando, Florida, showcasing some of our most exciting products and innovations at a biannual expo hosted by the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). This event has been a key gathering for the bedding industry to connect and share ideas for decades.
We spoke to Sharon Baird, our Marketing + Creative Project Program Director, to learn more about what it takes to prepare for the event.
“Safety has been our top priority in getting ready for the 2022 event,” she says. “Our team has spent the last couple of years learning about digital complements to in-person opportunities and how to create safe, organized spaces and layouts to accommodate pandemic guidelines.”
Sharon’s team also works with partners across the organization to plan every last detail of the event. Our Boundless Sleep Solutions exhibits will include appearances from our teams from Adjustable Bed, Bedding Components, Elite Comfort Solutions, Global Systems Group, Hanes Industries, Peterson Chemical Technology, Spühl, and Vertex Fasteners – each of them featuring unique experiences for visitors.
“We work directly with our businesses to help bring their campaign visions to life – from budgeting, logistics planning, the creation of messaging, design, videography, and more. It truly is a collaborative effort and takes a village to pull together,” says Sharon.
When asked to describe what she enjoys most about planning for the ISPA EXPO, Sharon shared her excitement for the success of each business she helps serve. “We want all of our business partners to succeed as much as they do,” she says. “A unique trust is built when they’re able to see their visions come to life, and that is the most satisfying reward.”
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Jerry Sherrod. He is an over-the-road truck driver for L&P and has been working with us for 3 years.
“I really enjoy the travel that comes with being a truck driver for L&P. I drive hundreds of miles per day. I’m most proud of being able to do this type of work for 20 years. I’ve been Employee of the Month twice for L&P, and I’m very proud of that accomplishment.
During Black History Month, it’s important to reflect on the accomplishments of Black individuals while also looking forward to the future. I hope for a bright future with more inclusion.”
Printcore is a printing and packaging company based out of Lexington, Kentucky. It’s proudly certified by the Tristate Minority Supplier Development Council as a minority-owned company.
As one of L&P’s suppliers, Printcore helps to supply products to our Consumer Products facilities in Texas, Florida, and Kentucky.
Ray Woods founded Printcore in 2000. As President and CEO, he’s responsible for sales and the day-to-day operation of the business.
Ray got his experience as general manager at a box company for 5 years, and then later worked for a printing company. After some time, Ray decided to venture out and start his own business. In October 2000, he founded Printcore.
“When I started this company,” Ray says, “my keys to success were persistence and perseverance. I was making lots of calls every single day. I got a lot of nos, but those yesses finally came.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately impacted Printcore, just as it has with many companies. But Ray and the team are keeping an optimistic outlook and working hard to generate more business so that it can get back to pre-pandemic levels.
They do this by providing excellent customer service. “Our philosophy is to get the customer what they want when they want it,” says Ray.
“We promise to keep providing customers with quality products at a competitive price,” Ray concludes. “Our key to great customer service will always be our dedication to building exceptional relationships with our customers.”
One product that customers have recently enjoyed is floor tape. Mighty Line Floor Tape can be used in facilities instead of paint on a floor. It’s easier to remove and apply, and there’s no lost time as there is with drying paint. Ray says this product has become very popular.
“We promise to keep providing customers with quality products at a competitive price,” Ray concludes. “Our key to great customer service will always be our dedication to building exceptional relationships with our customers.”
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Anita Gore. Anita is Senior Manager of Compliance and Systems Integration for Hanes, a division of L&P. She’s been with Hanes for nearly 22 years.
“In my role, I work to review and verify that our internal processes adhere to our company policies and procedures. My position allows me to learn everything from product pricing to shipping and receiving. Every day is a new learning experience!
In life, I am most proud of my family, who has supported me throughout my career. My parents provided a firm foundation and made sacrifices to allow me to flourish. I am proud of how tight-knit and supportive we are of each other.
Black History Month is a platform to reflect on the struggles and accomplishments of Black women and men everywhere. U.S. history spent many years denying the achievements and accomplishments of Black people in America, and February brings those achievements to the forefront. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to those who paved the way for future Black engineers, scientists, doctors, businesspeople.
This month concentrates on Black history to allow African American children to see that they have role models who look like them. When I reflect, I consider myself fortunate to have grown up with my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. I got firsthand knowledge of the struggles during segregation and the continued inequality that exists in America.
This month, I’m reminded of the strength of trailblazers who came before me and how their hard work allowed me to have opportunities to excel. Failure to take advantage of those opportunities is a disparagement to my ancestors.
Black History month is a reminder that there is still a glass ceiling for Black people. The ceiling is moving upward and there are cracks and holes in the glass that have allowed some to move higher. We still have work ahead to gain true equality, but I am proud of the progress made. My responsibility now is to continue that progress and be a mentor to other Black individuals.”
During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.
Meet Felix Herman. He is an over-the-road truck driver for L&P and has been working with us for 7 years.
“I love working for L&P. Our leadership listens and I enjoy developing relationships with people. I like to smile and try to make people laugh. My mantra is to live a joyful life and make your surroundings happy.
I’m really proud of my commitment to safety. Safety in truck driving is very important!
February is Black History Month, and Black people have come so far. A lot has changed in the world, but there’s still progress to be made. I was raised to love and respect others, and that is my hope for others as well. Unity is needed in our country and our world. But let’s also celebrate how far we’ve come!”