Employee Spotlight!
Q4 2022
This quarter we are excited to spotlight Kyle Meunier from our Shipping department.
Kyle started working at Indiana Furniture in March 2022 as a truck loader. He joined Indiana Furniture with relevant experience from Dubois Wood Products, Meyer Distributing, and UPS. Kyle also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern Indiana.
Read more about Kyle below.
Kyle’s family members include his parents, Brian and Callie, as well as pets Cleopatra, Bootsy, and Disney. In Kyle’s free time, he enjoys acting in plays, filmmaking, painting, and designing. His favorite place to travel is New York City.
When asked what Kyle enjoys about working at Indiana Furniture, he said “I have great coworkers. I get to learn a lot on the job, and I really enjoy working in shipping.”
We are thankful for Kyle for choosing Indiana Furniture, and for the opportunity to get to know him better.
We Made The Nice List!
December 2022
Over the weekend we were visited by the big ol' jolly guy himself. Santa!!
We’ve been so good, Santa decided to come a little early this year! Employees and their family members were invited to join us for holiday party, where Santa greeted them and shared gifts with all the good little boys and girls.
All of us were able to feel the excitement and magic of the season! Lots of merriment was had by all! A special thank you to Santa and all of his helpers. We appreciate all the joy you've created this year!
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
December 2022
Congrats to our December F.R.E.D. winners. We recognize F.R.E.D. winners for their exceptional leadership, creative problem solving, and dedication to helping other team members. We thank each of them with a plaque, balloon, trophy, and personal parking spot for the entire month!
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
December Winners: Malana Hedinger - Mill St Facility, Jenny Himsel - Office, Lisa Matheis – Flat Line Facility, Charles Turner – Plywood Facility, and Dora Apple - Laminate Facility
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 2022
Last week we had the honor of giving a holiday appreciation gift to each of our employees by handing out their choice of ham or turkey.
Our people are why Indiana Furniture has a 117-year history and it takes everyone's perseverance and dedication to keep us moving forward. We thank each of you for all of your hard work, sacrifice, and determination. May your Thanksgiving be full of blessings, friends, and family.
#AHeartfeltTHANKS
Did You Know?
46 million turkeys are eaten each Thanksgiving, 22 million on Christmas and 19 million turkeys on Easter. The average weight of a turkey purchased at Thanksgiving is 15 pounds.
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
November 2022
Congrats to our November F.R.E.D. winners. We recognize F.R.E.D. winners for their exceptional leadership, creative problem solving, and dedication to helping other team members. We thank each of them with a plaque, balloon, trophy, and personal parking spot for the entire month!
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
November Winners: Christy Pund - Mill St Facility, Stacy McCoy - Office, Lisa Matheis – Flat Line Facility, John Phillips – Plywood Facility, and Karla Matheis - Laminate Facility
Halloween Antics!
October 2022
Our teams had fun dressing up and having a food pitch in to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year!
From butterflies to witches, pirates to bumble bees, we were happy to see the creativity, the scary, and the silly.
Thanks to all of our employees for participating and having some laughs throughout the workday.
#NoTricksAllTreats
Lending A Hand...Well, Actually A Pumpkin.
October 2022
The Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition (SWICACC) held a fundraiser over the last few weeks called “Light The Way.” They asked local businesses to provide decorated pumpkins that would be used in an illuminated pumpkin patch at the Center. The community was then asked to stop by to walk through the pumpkin patch, enjoy some hot chocolate, and learn about Halloween Safety. Of course, it’s a fundraiser, so attendees were asked to vote on their favorite pumpkins through monetary donations.
We were honored to learn that our pumpkins were selected as the winners…but actually more excited to be able to participate and help raise money for our community. I mean who wouldn’t want to have a spa day with their bestie? Even these pumpkins are enjoying some pampering time!
#WeLoveOurCommunity
Who is SWICACC?
SWICACC (Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition) provides forensic interviewing services to children reporting abuse in our community. This non-profit organization was started in 2009 when it was recognized that southwestern Indiana did not have adequate services for child abuse victims and their caregivers.
Our People Are Our Greatest Strength.
October 2022
We took a moment to say thank you to each of our employees by grillin’ and chillin’ over lunch breaks. Fun, laughs, and fully bellies were had by all!
We have the best people! Thank you to everyone for your hard work and dedication.
#ThankYou!
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
October 2022
Congrats to our October F.R.E.D. winners. We recognize F.R.E.D. winners for their exceptional leadership, creative problem solving, and dedication to helping other team members. We thank each of them with a plaque, balloon, trophy, and personal parking spot for the entire month!
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
October Winners: Quinn Hardin - Mill St Facility, Lacey Etzold - Office, Amanda Gilley – Flat Line Facility, Martha Kelley – Plywood Facility, and Brandy Willis - Laminate Facility
Celebrate Service!
October 2022
National Customer Service Week, October 3–7, 2022, is the perfect opportunity to recognize and honor all of the essential people on the front lines who have enabled our business to continue to thrive, no matter the challenges that we face. Our people are our strength. And we took a moment to celebrate all of their hard work.
Throughout the week, during lunch breaks, we played games, answered trivia, and participated in activities to celebrate the service we provide to customers each and every day!
Did We Mention That We Love Pets?
During Customer Service Week, our employees donated items and money to help support our furry friends at the Dubois County Humane Society!
We have the best people!
A Partnership That Spans Decades!
September 2022
Our Sales Rep Group, OED Marketing, hosted one of long-time dealers, Nu-Idea, in their Atlanta showroom this week for conversations about current projects, what the future holds, and, of course, some fun and laughs.
For over 25 years, Nu-Idea has been a great partner and we look forward to a strong future together. Thanks Nu-Idea!
#NotJustPartners
#Friends
The Best of The Best!
September 2022
Our Sales Rep Group, OED Marketing, hosted some of the beautiful ladies of Best Office Solutions in their Atlanta showroom this week for a day of learning, fun, and, of course, business talk.
We're grateful to have such a wonderful team to help position our brand and satisfy customers with the offices of their dreams.
Thanks Best Office Solutions! You truly are the best.
Progress, Progress, and More Progress!
September 2022
Our Human Resources & Safety Team took a moment away from their offices to stop by the new factory additions for a sneak peek at the progress.
The team was all smiles for recently accomplishing one of their business goals and decided to celebrate by spending lunch together and taking a tour.
Way to go, Team!
See some quick snapshots of the factory additions below.
Safety Luncheon at Mill Street Facility.
September 2022
Way To Go! Our Mill Street facility celebrated 1 year accident-free with a FREE lunch today!
A Safety First culture is the collection of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors by everyone in the organization working together to create a safe work environment. We appreciate everyone's efforts to strive to put safety first every single day.
#SafetyFirst
Employee Spotlight!
Q3 2022
This quarter we are excited to spotlight Sherry Kupper from our Flat Line Assembly plant.
Sherry started working here in Feb. 2005 as a drawer fitter, and her next role was drawer builder. Sherry has kitted wood and laminate parts, done inventory, as well as material handling. She was promoted to Production Coordinator in Jan. 2019, which is her current position. Thanks for all you do Sherry!
Read more about Sherry below.
Sherry’s family includes her husband of 35 years (Gabe), daughter (Ashley), and son (Josh) who sadly passed away at the age of 22. Ashley and her husband have a son (Liam) with a baby girl on the way. Sherry and Gabe are proud grandparents. They have a mini farm with chickens, two horses, two cats, and a dog (Gunner) that call their place home.
Outside of work, Sherry enjoys sewing, making quits, gardening, and doing anything outdoors. The family loves to travel on the Blue Ridge Parkway and vacation in Pigeon Force, TN & Destin, FL.
When asked what she enjoys about working here, Sherry said “I like working here because of the people and friendly staff. Working here has given me the opportunity to learn different jobs and to teach others new jobs as well. We have great leaders, and I’m very excited about the new facility addition as well.” We are thankful for Sherry’s dedication to the company and her co workers and appreciate the opportunity to get to know her better.
Back To The 80s!
September 2022
Today was TOTALLY AWESOME!! We celebrated 80s Day companywide and had a super rad time.
All teammates were encouraged to dress in 80s attire, bring food for a pitch in, participate in some fun games, and donate to our local food bank.
It was, like, so gnarly!
Having Fun While Helping Our Community!
September 2022
As a part of our 80s Day fun, we encouraged employees to bring in canned and dry foods, as well as monetary donations, to help our local food bank.
A big THANKS to all of our team members! We were overwhelmed by all of the goodwill.
#WeHaveTheBestPeople
Fun and Food For All!
Working together, our facilities collected over 1,250 items for the local food bank.
We're happy to help support our community while having fun doing so.
Keep On Rockin' In A Free World!
September 2022
A couple of in-house celebrities took the stage to rock team members at our Headquarters over lunch.
Since we were celebrating "80s Day" companywide, they were only taking requests for songs from the 80s. It's safe to say they rocked the house!
#ResidentRockers
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
September 2022
Congrats to our September F.R.E.D. winners. We recognize F.R.E.D. winners for their exceptional leadership, creative problem solving, and dedication to helping other team members. We thank each of them with a plaque, balloon, trophy, and personal parking spot for the entire month!
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
September Winners: Lola Kemmis - Mill St Facility, Tim Poehlein - Office, Vince Collins – Flat Line Facility, Kyla Yeager – Plywood Facility, and Mike Slunder - Laminate Facility
Hit The Ground Running!
September 2022
A few of our teammates hit the pavement in Huntingburg this morning to take on the Heartland Half Marathon/5K.
As part of our Wellness Program, we encourage all employees to stay active by participating in our corporate-planned activities as well as locally sponsored events.
#BEWell
Safety Luncheon at Flat Line Assembly.
August 2022
We are so proud of all our facilities and their efforts in keeping our employees safe! In celebration of our Flat Line Assembly facility achieving 3 years with no accidents, the entire team attended a luncheon. We appreciate everyone's efforts in striving to put safety first every single day.
After Hours Fun!
August 2022
When you like your co-workers, you figure out ways to spend time with them after hours. And that's exactly what members of the Sales + Marketing Team did!
They said everyone has been working so hard and needed a fun break. They decided some good food and axe throwing would do the trick. Teammates from Customer Service, Order Processing, Contracts, Design Services, Custom Quotes, and Marketing gathered together and, from what we understand, had a ton of laughs. They are already planning their next after-hours get together!
#Friends #NotJustCoWorkers
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
August 2022
Congrats to our August F.R.E.D. winners. We recognize F.R.E.D. winners for their exceptional leadership, creative problem solving, and dedication to helping other team members. We thank each of them with a plaque, balloon, trophy, and personal parking spot for the entire month!
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
August Winners: Todd Orange - Mill St Facility, Emilie Schepers - Office, Pat Hoffman – Flat Line Facility, Sean Casey – Plywood Facility, and Dustan Brandon - Laminate Facility
Keepin' It Cool!
July 2022
The southern Indiana heat was no match for these kids as they stayed super cool in their Indiana Furniture sunglasses.
Their mom, Melessa Redditt, a Sales Representative for the Mississippi region, dropped by our headquarters this week for a visit and update, but didn't stop there...the entire family came along to take in all of the wonderful sites and adventures our community has to offer.
Don't worry kiddos, if one of the coasters at Holiday World got your sunglasses, we got your back!
What Park Did These Kids Enjoy?
Less than 30 minutes from Indiana Furniture's headquarters is Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, home to two parks and some of the world's longest water coasters and America's top-rated wooden roller coasters.
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
July 2022
Our F.R.E.D. winners are selected by their peers for helping other team members, demonstrating exceptional leadership, and using creative problem-solving skills. Thank you to all of our F.R.E.D. winners for your dedication to the Indiana Furniture team and congratulations on being selected.
Ryan Mosbey (Mill Street Facility)
Pollyanna Wilhelm (Laminate Facility)
Nathan Broshears (Plywood Facility)
Brittany Sturgeon (Flat Line Facility)
All Smiles!
Paula Schmidt, our Director of Marketing, and Michael Woodsmall, a long-time Sales Rep, were all smiles when they got to see each other at Neocon.
We just had to capture the moment!
Getting Ready for NeoCon!
June 2022
NeoCon is our largest trade show of the year and, to make it a huge success, it takes individuals companywide to make it happen. From designing our Chicago Showroom to specifying the furniture, building the furniture to installing it, and then, of course, meeting with and hosting customers during the show.
Here's part of the team enjoying dinner and getting ready for Sales Rep training the next day!
NeoCon at The Mart in Chicago has served as the world's leading platform and most important event of the year for the commercial interior design industry since 1969. And we've been a part of it since the beginning. Learn More
Way to go F.R.E.D.!
June 2022
Exceptional leadership skills, creative problem solving, and outstanding dedication to Indiana Furniture are just a few traits that describe the F.R.E.D. recipients that are chosen each month. We appreciate all you do! Thank you!
Congratulations to: Alexis Simmons (Mill Street Facility), Kevin Lamar (FLA Facility), Jennifer Wagner (Office), Jeffery Wilhelm (Laminate Facility), and Brian Romine (Plywood Facility)
F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award.
We're So Proud of You!
May 2022
Conexus Indiana has named 30 young professionals to its Rising 30 Class of 2022, which includes Max Faiman, one of our Product Engineers. We are proud and honored to have Max on our team. His customer-focused improvements and creative contributions have been an essential part of furthering our innovative success.
Conexus is a network of leaders that work to strengthen Indiana’s competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing and logistics. They leverage innovation and technology and address the most pressing talent needs to make AML more productive and profitable.
Yum!
Of course we celebrate National Donut Day! We're pretty sure donuts don't have calories on National Donut Day or Fridays so enjoy one of your favorites.
We're going with the chocolate glazed with sprinkles!
Hands-On Experience!
May 2022
Indiana Furniture partnered with Jasper High School to provide students with a hands-on experience to learn more about our manufacturing processes, techniques, and tools. JHS currently offers two manufacturing classes, Introduction to Manufacturing and Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics classes which inspired this partnership.
Last week students spent some time watching, learning, and building a product themselves. Instructor Josh Dahmer shared “Once finished, the students respected and appreciated the process of what our goal is.”
We look forward to future opportunities to work with and teach students about careers that exist in manufacturing.
Way To Go F.R.E.D.!
May 2022
We recognize each of the F.R.E.D. winners for taking the initiative to show exceptional leadership, exceeding expectations, and searching our creative solutions. F.R.E.D. stands for Finding Real Employee Dedication and these winners have been nominated by their peers for this award. Everyone at Indiana Furniture truly appreciates the difference each of the F.R.E.D. award winners have made.
Congratulations to: Curt Kunz (Office), Angela Phillips (Plywood Facility), Dave Reuber (Flat Line Facility), Brenda Fajardo (Mill Street Facility), and Kenneth Qualkenbush (Laminate Facility)
Employee Spotlight!
Q2 2022
This quarter we are proud to spotlight Mary Jane Luebke, Quality Inspector at our Laminate facility. Mary Jane started working at Indiana Furniture in July 2004 as a Whitewood Sander. Her next role was in Finish Final Repair. Mary Jane later joined the Quality team, where she has been for most of her tenure.
We greatly value the extensive knowledge and experience she has developed and shared over the years.
Read more about Mary Jane below.
Outside of work, Mary Jane enjoys deer hunting with her husband, Barry. They enjoy spending time with their daughter, Erica, and grandchildren Anna, Charlotte, and Frieda. The family loves to go camping and fishing (Frieda especially likes to fish). The family always makes it fun, and has some kind of adventure. The family also has a dog, Claire, whom they rescued from a shelter.
When asked what Mary Jane likes best about working at Indiana Furniture, she said “The people are very kind to work with, and everyone knows you by name. Staff is very kind and respectful. It’s a friendly and family like atmosphere.” We thank Mary Jane for her past and future contributions and appreciate the opportunity to get to know her better.
