Mattress industry supplier Carpenter Co., with headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, has honored Ed Malechek, Randy Baird and Stu Watson by inducting them into the Carpenter Co. Pantheon, Class of 2014. Being named to the Pantheon is a distinction bestowed on former longtime employees who have made outstanding contributions to the company.
In an announcement to the company, Carpenter President M.G. Lowery said, “These individuals are truly our heroes, and their contributions helped establish the foundation for the company’s current and future success.”
Malechek, who retired as Carpenter vice chairman in 2012, was an active member of the International Sleep Products Association during his more than 40-year career with Carpenter. Malechek’s service to ISPA was wide ranging and included the chairmanship of the Better Sleep Council—ISPA’s consumer education arm. In 2006, the association presented him with the Robert MacMorran Memorial Award, which recognizes individuals in active pursuit of meritorious service to the mattress industry, without regard to their professional or business affiliation.
Malechek joined Carpenter’s purchasing department upon graduating from the University of Richmond in 1968. He worked in a number of the company’s divisions at facilities in California and the Midwest, and was promoted through the ranks, acquiring the titles plant general manager, division manager, senior vice president, executive vice president, president and chief operating officer and, finally, vice chair.
Carpenter commended Malechek’s breadth of knowledge and ability to understand customers’ needs. In addition, the company said, “His thorough understanding of the business earned him great respect among his peers. He has a quiet but collegial personality that made him a very good teacher and a successful leader. Every area that he touched was more focused and better managed after his involvement. Not surprisingly, Ed impacted many lives and careers during his tenure. All of those who worked with and for Ed will remember the example he set.”
Baird, who retired as vice president of taxes in 2013 after almost 40 years with Carpenter, was cited for building a tax department that scaled to handle the business’s growing complexity and for his dedication to the company’s financial well-being.
Watson, who retired as senior vice president and technical director in 2008 after close to 25 years at Carpenter, was recognized for his expertise in polyurethane and polyol chemistry, his contribution to the establishment of the company’s Reinhart Technical Center and his development of superior processes and practices that continue to be used today.
