During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Antonio Mitchell. He is Warehouse Operations Manager for Hanes Geo Components in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has been with L&P since 2004.

“When I started in the Hanes Dye & Finishing division, I was a Pad Inspector. I have been promoted into various roles over the years – Forklift Operator, Cycle Counter, and Shipping/Production Supervisor to name a few.

Now, as Operations Manager, what I enjoy most about my job is traveling to other locations and meeting new faces under the Hanes Geo umbrella. This allows me to continue to sharpen my career skills to become a better employee and manager. I also love the new adventures of day-to-day operations and seeing ideas and plans come together.

February means a lot to me. The first thing that comes to my mind is the continuous change happening throughout the world. It’s a month to create opportunity and be great at all we do.

I am thankful every day for what our ancestors, activists, scientists, and inventors have contributed to the world as a whole. From Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who galvanized the civil rights movement, to Madam C.J. Walker and George Washington Carver who became self-made millionaires. From Langston Hughes, a famous poet in the Harlem Renaissance, to Carter G. Woodson, a famous scholar, educator, and publisher, to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American appointed to Supreme Court – without those who sacrificed before me, there would be no me. Celebrating Black history is every day for me.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Portia Phifer, HR and Safety Manager at our Flooring Products facility in Statesville, North Carolina. She has worked with us for 4 years.

“As HR and Safety Manager, I most enjoy meaningful interactions with our people. If there are issues that they need help with, I am here to assist them. I pride myself on being approachable and easy to talk to. I even keep a dish of Life Savers on my desk as a reminder that I will definitely try to be a ‘life saver’ to my colleagues and in matters at our workplace.

I am most proud that while I didn’t take a traditional route of furthering my education, I was able to complete two degrees as a working adult.

I am excited that Leggett & Platt sees the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans. We benefit from many inventions on a daily basis that were directly contributed by African Americans. While I try to reflect on the history of African Americans on a consistent basis, this month’s acknowledgments and celebrations make me proud of the contributions made by people like me.

I think it’s important for my grandchildren to understand that they stand on the shoulders of great men and women, and they can accomplish great things as well.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Marché Favors. She is a Senior HR Generalist at one of our Elite Comfort Solutions (ECS) facilities. She has worked with us for 5 years.

“In my role, I enjoy working with people and assisting employees through the hiring process and watching their development in their respective roles. My role is important because I engage with employees from the start of their employment journey with ECS. I introduce them to the company and remain connected throughout to assist as needed.

Celebrating Black history in February is special. It gives me a sense of pride to know that I have the opportunity to excel and to be successful in life. I am truly thankful to those who came before me and sacrificed in so many ways.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Scoval Blevins is the Branch Manager at our Elite Comfort Solutions (ECS) facilities in Newnan, Georgia. He’s been with ECS for 8 years.

“My favorite thing about what I do is working with, mentoring, and helping to shape individuals. I truly value relationships, and I enjoy seeing individuals excel toward their greatest potential.

I am, by far, proudest of my family and faith. These two pieces of my life are the most important to me and have the greatest impact in everything I do.

Black History Month means a lot to me because it highlights for everyone the impacts by Black Americans. It further sheds great light on the advancements Black Americans have made throughout American history. There are strides still left to be made.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Sharon Pratt. She is a Routing Coordinator at our Flooring Products facility in Houston, Mississippi. She has been with L&P for 15 years.

“I enjoy talking to the customers and interacting with so many of them over the phone every day. I feel my job is important because I’m the person listening and trying to make sure that they are happy and get what they need on their delivery.

I am very proud to have a job that helps me as a single mother to be financially able to provide for my daughter.

To some, Black history may only be celebrated during the month of February, but not for me. I try to celebrate my heritage every day. I am a proud Black woman who has overcome so many adversities. With that being said, I think it is great that we celebrate our ancestors and share their contributions and achievements with others during the month of February.”