Hickory Springs helps young professionals build skills

Company hosts workshop on real-world challenges

Tanya K. Merritte -- Furniture Today, November 23, 2009

Hickory Springs senior managers join members of Hickory Young Professionals, who attended a seminar the company hosted that focused on actual business issues.

HICKORY, N.C. — Hickory Springs Mfg. Co. recently hosted a practical experience seminar designed to introduce local young professionals to real-world working situations.

Executives of the furniture and bedding components supplier met earlier this month with Hickory Young Professionals for a workshop called Walk in My Shoes.

Ben Thayer, vice president of international operations for Hickory Springs; Brad McNeely, national foam marketing manager and regional sales manager; and Jeff Lail, corporate manufacturing systems quality manager, presented actual work scenarios they had dealt with.

Afterward, HYP members were split into groups and asked to develop a course of action, which they presented to the large group and Hickory Springs executives. The managers then explained how each issue was actually handled and answered questions.

Nathan Huret, chairman of the HYP's professional development committee, called the seminar a "unique learning experience." He said it "offered our group very valuable insight into the challenges often faced by a global company."

"Many young people just getting into business wonder how to reach the next level of management," said Dwayne Welch, Hickory Springs executive vice president of sales and marketing. "These types of interactive conferences allow them to gain insight into how to make that transition to management by solving problems such as those presented, which enable them to grow within their company."