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.
There’s a lot to love about our Doors internship program. But don’t take our word for it, listen to what a few of our program graduates (turned full-time team members!) have to say.
You can learn more about our available internships here.
Leggett & Platt recently made a donation of 200 medium respirator masks, 725 large respirator masks, and 250 filters to Franklin Technology Center Adult Education and High School students in Joplin, Missouri.
Attending the donation are (from left) Vanessa Gile, Commodity Manager at L&P; Nikki Medley, Effectiveness Coordinator at FTC; Dave Rockers, FTC Director; Joe Flynn, Tech Teacher at FTC; Doug Donnel, Collision Repair Instructor at FTC; and Dustin Riner, Maintenance Supervisor at L&P.
This photo and article were originally published by The Joplin Globe | Roger Nomer.
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!
