As director of sales for Paramount Sleep Co., Steve Maddox is part of a fourth-generation, family-owned mattress manufacturer. That family atmosphere is one of his favorite things about working in sleep—not just at his own company but across the industry. “The industry can seem so small because of the connections, contacts, and relationships with retailers, suppliers, and other manufacturers and how often we cross paths,” he says.
At home, his family consists of his wife, Maggie, and three children, Anthony, 12; Matthew, 9; and Beau, 5. “It’s a full-time job,” Maddox says. “I grew up playing sports, mainly baseball, but as I have gotten older—and slower—that has transitioned into living vicariously through the kids. When I have free time, I do enjoy getting out on the golf course with family, friends, and customers, of course!”
BedTimes: What’s one thing you absolutely need for a good night’s sleep?
Steve Maddox: This one is simple—a good mattress!
BT: What’s your ideal bedtime?
SM: My ideal bedtime is 10 p.m. on the weekdays, and that becomes a little more fluid on the weekends and during the school year as we become more focused on homework, bedtime routines, and making sure the kids are prepared for the next day.
BT: Barefoot or socks at bedtime?
SM: Barefoot! I don’t think I could fall asleep with socks on—I would feel like I need to get up and start working!
BT: What’s on your nightstand right now?
SM: A sound machine, a water bottle, my phone charger, and business cards.
BT: What’s the best sleep product you own and why?
SM: Another layup—my Paramount mattress and topper, of course. One of the major reasons I believe so strongly in Paramount products is because I know how much the mattress has changed the quality of sleep for my wife and me.
BT: What’s one thing you always pack to help you sleep away from home?
SM: If I can fit it in my suitcase, there is nothing like having your own pillow!
BT: What’s the best place you’ve ever fallen asleep?
SM: As my mother would say, I could fall asleep on a rock, so I’ll go with the best place, which should come as no surprise: my own bed. When you travel all over the country for work, it makes you appreciate the comfort and peace that come with sleeping in your own bed.
BT: Do you break any traditional sleep “rules”? If so, which ones?
SM: I will check emails as I am getting in bed, which can definitely take my focus off of bedtime, but there is also a peace in knowing what lies ahead for tomorrow.
BT: Cozy or cool?
SM: Definitely cool for me! My wife likes cozy, so we compromise on types of sheets and layers of covers, but she lets me keep the room temperature at 69 degrees.
BT: Physical book or Kindle?
SM: Physical book—I read a story to my son Beau every night before bedtime. Last night’s book was Where the Wild Things Are.
BT: Before bed: read a book, watch a show, or listen to a podcast?
SM: My wife and I both like to watch shows before we head to bed. We just finished the show “Outlast.” Our staples are “Below Deck” or a documentary series, but when left up to my wife, it would be “Housewives of ‘you pick it.’”
BT: Why do you love working in the sleep industry?
SM: I graduated with degrees in accounting and finance and had a much different idea for the direction of my career. However, I wouldn’t change anything about it. I am thankful for the experiences I have had and how this industry continues to develop and adapt to a changing landscape. I am grateful for my Paramount family and the opportunities that they have provided me personally and professionally. Paramount is the best family company in the industry, providing mattresses of superior quality, comfort, and design with a dedicated team to support our retail partners. If you don’t know who we are, give me a call!
