From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our team members have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Meet Cheryl Martin, Senior Software Engineer!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I began my Leggett & Platt career as a Programmer Analyst, working on large product‑code expansion and Y2K initiatives on our IBM mainframe systems using COBOL and IDMS databases. Over time, I moved into Advanced and then Senior Programmer Analyst roles, supporting billing, sales, pricing, product, and financial applications.

My responsibilities grew significantly during the Microsoft AX 2012 implementation and later the upgrade to Microsoft D365. I contributed to the rollout of Accounts Payable, General Ledger, Cash and Bank, and P2P Payments, including the SK Global Treasury Automation and FXall LSEG applications. I also spent eight months in Detroit supporting the launch of the Business Process Transformation Automotive project, then joined the Corporate EDI team for four years. In 2024, I returned to the Business Process Transformation Automotive (BPT) initiative as part of the data‑migration team and later served as a subject-matter expert for the SK Global Treasury Automation implementation on the LPNA D365 project. Throughout these periods of change, I advanced from Technical Specialist to Advanced Technical Specialist and now to Senior Software Engineer. 

I currently support the Billing Admin application and recently joined the LPCS team. I also serve as co‑administrator for ESP CA‑Workload Automation. My work focuses on providing development and support that help our business teams operate efficiently. Because of my broad experience across applications and departments, I often serve as a liaison and subject‑matter expert on cross‑functional projects.

One of the most engaging aspects of my role is the constant opportunity to learn and grow. Supporting and collaborating across multiple business applications allows me to help bridge the gap between business needs and technical solutions, ensuring we deliver efficient, high‑impact results that support our strategic goals. Helping our stakeholders and business users in their day‑to‑day work – and assisting with timely resolutions – is especially rewarding.

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computational Mathematics CIS, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and an Associate of Science in General Business. But some of the most important lessons I’ve learned have come from the people around me.

I’ve been fortunate to have excellent mentors in every role. Collaborating on diverse projects has given me a deep well of experience, and in 2015, I was challenged to be ready to step into any project at any time. It was nerve‑racking at first, but it taught me adaptability, confidence, and the value of saying “yes” when a team needs support. I encourage others to embrace similar opportunities. Recently, I volunteered as a mentor in the IT Mentorship Program, where meeting new colleagues, sharing experiences, and offering guidance has been incredibly rewarding. Lifting others up not only strengthens the team, builds confidence, and aligns the team – it also helps you move more easily into new opportunities.

My grandfather, who ran a business across eight states, also shaped my work ethic. Spending summers traveling with him taught me that every role matters and that hard work, communication, and service are the foundation of any successful team.

What do you like to do outside of work?

My life is full and joyful. My children are grown, and my five grandchildren keep me busy almost every day. I also have a Labrador named Jack who loves the outdoors and keeps me entertained. My extended family and friends are spread across several states, and I love traveling to visit them. Over the years, we’ve explored coastlines, mountain ranges, national parks, and national forests – experiences that keep me grounded, connected, and grateful.

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our colleagues have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Meet Caleb Arrowood, Branch Manager at Cleveland – Home Furniture in Cleveland, TN!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

My journey with Leggett & Platt began 11 years ago, before I joined the Marine Corps. I always knew I wanted to return to L&P, and I’ve been back with the company for almost two years now. I started as a Supply Chain/Quality Coordinator, which allowed me to work closely with team members across our BU and develop a strong understanding of how we operate and support each other. During that time, I have also begun pursuing my master’s degree. Today, I’m grateful to serve as the Branch Manager.

I’ve enjoyed helping shape the culture here at Cleveland. Creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and set up for success has been meaningful. When the team feels supported, performance, morale, and safety naturally improve. Being part of that progress has been incredibly rewarding.

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

My time in the Marine Corps gave me the foundation to grow personally and professionally. But my career at Leggett & Platt has been shaped just as much by the people I’ve worked with in Home Furniture. Support from other branches, our sales and engineering teams, our leadership, and the employees I’m fortunate to lead each day have made a real impact on my development. Every question they’ve answered, every bit of guidance they’ve offered, and every moment they’ve taken to help me grow have played a significant role in where I am today at Leggett & Platt.

Has a piece of career advice or a mantra of your own stuck with you?

Be the standard. The example you set becomes the culture you create.

It’s a daily reminder to bring my best, treat people with respect and understanding, and stay committed to growth. This mindset has helped me navigate challenges, build trust, and step into new roles with confidence and authenticity.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. Over the past few years, I’ve begun traveling to new places and discovered how much I enjoy it. Especially traveling out west – the mountains of Montana and Wyoming are my favorite.

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our team members have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Meet Dustin Starnes, Project Engineering Manager!

Tell us about your career at L&P.

I joined the company in 2017 after graduating from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s in engineering technology. During my internship, I created a poke‑yoked jig that helped operators cut a “Flex Cut” into a customer’s product. That project highlighted my technical skills and led to a full‑time offer as a Jr. Process Engineer.

As a Jr. Process Engineer, I worked on capital design projects across our facilities to eliminate top quality issues. A major highlight was helping design, build, implement, and sustain the “Mini Rail Laminator.” This machine was recreated multiple times and used across the network for several years, becoming essential for one of our major customers.

In 2021, I was promoted to Process Engineer, continuing to develop solutions for the production environment. During this time, I was named the Conover facility’s “Scrap Champion” by the plant manager. Leading the team to implement a standing program that continues to reduce scrap.

Recently, I was promoted to project engineering manager for the technical services group, and I look forward to making a lasting impact on our foam-pouring operations. 

What or who has helped you with your career growth?

The people I’ve worked with during my time at the company have been pivotal to my success. Dean Shook was my first mentor – a skilled machinist and fabricator who taught me metalworking and essential machining practices. Lonnie Blackburn has been an outstanding electrical and controls engineering mentor and a strong leader within our organization. Jeff Miller has always been someone I can turn to for conversations about the business and our industry.

There are many others I rely on for advice and guidance. The talented people on our team have consistently been the driving force in my career.

Has a piece of career advice or a mantra of your own stuck with you?

If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. And when you face a difficult decision, choose the harder path – it’s the right one.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy learning about other industries and how things work. I often spend time at the range improving my skills and knowledge around firearms, along with the gear and mindset that go with that world. I’m recently engaged and love spending time with my fiancé. I also make time for family events and stay close to my loved ones – they’re my priority.

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our colleagues have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Meet Titus Hefner, Machine Intelligence Data Analyst!

Titus joined L&P in early 2023 as an engineering intern. While interning, he performed inventory analysis, machine reliability analysis, and preventative maintenance support for our Bedding business. He also assisted engineering teams responsible for new cutting-edge measurement machines and worked on designing and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for production. With support from these teams, he became an expert on the machines and served as a resource for training, documentation, troubleshooting, and development.

After a year and a half, he accepted a full-time position as a machine intelligence data analyst. In this role, Titus assists with the creation, implementation, and support of our machine intelligence initiative, which introduces real-time monitoring of manufacturing performance, product quality, and product traceability.

“The most exciting part of my role is being on a team that introduces and stands up a state-of-the-art group of technologies,” says Titus. “I am fortunate to be on a team whose primary interest is the success of its members. Everybody I work with is dedicated to lifting each other up, including those who are just starting their career. Steve Wright, Ryan Middleton, and Randall Wood were all instrumental in helping me find my groove here and giving me the room to grow.“

In addition to having supportive teams, Titus credits his ability to learn quickly for his career growth:

“Rather than trying to amass a large pool of technical knowledge, I focus on my ability to learn quickly. Knowledge comes with time, but learning how to learn is far more important and far more unique of a trait.“

For interns looking to transition to a full-time role like he did, he offers some advice:

“No matter your scope of work, try to be on as many teams as possible. Because I collaborated with more teams than required, I learned new skills and found the role I am in. I never knew I wanted to pursue a career in AI until my manager gave me an opportunity to learn.“

Outside work, Titus enjoys playing the guitar, shooting guns and bows, hunting, camping, and spending time with his blue heeler, Remington. He’s finishing his last semester of undergraduate and preparing for graduate school.

We’re grateful to have Titus on our team and we wish him the best this year!

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our colleagues have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Brandon Phothichack started his career with Hanes Industries in Conover, North Carolina, nearly nine years ago as an Intra Winder/Machine Operator on the third shift. He worked in several roles over the three-and-a-half years he spent on the third shift before landing his first role on the day shift. Over the years, Brandon worked in Panel Cell and various other roles. He even cross-trained in other departments like shipping and receiving and offered assistance at Hanes Dye in Winston-Salem, NC.

This past year, Brandon took the position of Training Coordinator. In his new role, Brandon facilitates the job training process of new team members and transfers. He helps to ensure the transition to their new job is seamless with thorough training in the most current, accepted practices and quality. In addition, Brandon gets to conduct plant tours where he’s had the opportunity to meet many great people within L&P and the community.

“I still feel blessed and honored for this opportunity. Many people helped me along the way, including Leonard Ruggiero, Dee Sawyer, Steve Griffin, Steven Davis, and many long-time friends I’ve worked beside who told me to go for it.”

Brandon credits keeping perspective as a contributing factor to his success. When he can’t control what’s happening, he knows he can control his reaction to a situation. He offers the same advice to someone else facing decisions in their career or life.

“Go for it. It’s your time, and you will be great. Control your emotions, but allow yourself to show passion in your beliefs. Insert your beliefs, but always be kind. Show your worth. You got this.”

Outside work, Brandon enjoys golfing, playing paintball, and spending time with his friends and family, including his son, who recently enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife are getting used to being empty-nesters and catching up with their Airman through video chat.

From taking on new responsibilities to learning new skills, our team members have shown dedication and commitment to their careers. This month, we’re sharing some of their stories related to professional growth.

Sarah Peterson started her career with L&P in July 2017 as an intern in Internal Audit. In December 2017, she joined the Internal Audit team full-time. She progressed within the department in various roles, most recently serving as the Fraud and Due Diligence Supervisor, where she investigated complaints from our Ethics Hotline.

In September, Sarah made a career transition and was promoted to Program Manager of the Sustainability team. Leaving the Internal Audit team and moving to a new department and role was bittersweet but exciting.

“Internal Audit was my home – I met my husband and some of my best friends there. I loved who I worked for and saying ‘goodbye’ was emotionally tolling. When I was asked to help the Sustainability team, I knew it was time to fly. I had gained so much knowledge and experience, and it was time to share it. I’ve been able to point back to systems, people, processes, and skillsets that I was privy to during my time with Internal Audit. I’m so thankful it was my foundation – the exposure and opportunities are unparalleled.”

In her new role, Sarah is helping to assist and strengthen L&P’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) processes to make them more consistent and reliable.

“I’ve been enjoying learning about things such as greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint, as well as being behind the scenes of our Sustainability Report and working on compliance efforts pertaining to ESG regulations. I have never been busier!”

Looking back at her career, Sarah credits her willingness to step up and take on tasks as a catalyst for her professional growth.

“I’ve never waited for someone to ask me to do something. If I see that a need exists, whether it be a task, a project, help of some kind – I do it. I’ve always raised my hand, especially regarding cross-functional projects or opportunities that allow me to work with those I don’t normally get to. I’ve made many friendships and connections this way.”

Sarah hopes her journey inspires others to embrace change and pursue their goals.

“We all know growth happens within the discomfort. Have the confidence to know what you bring to the table, but also, and sometimes more importantly, the humility to know when you don’t have it all figured out. Ask the questions, offer insight, and remember we are all trying to get through life. Be kind.”

In life, Sarah’s most important title is mom. When she isn’t volunteering for the Women’s Employee Resource Group or working on sustainability goals, she spends time with her two-year-old son, Tuck.

“He is the craziest little boy, and I love every second of this climbing, bouncing, jumping, giggling, ‘mom-watch’ phase.”