Princeton, New Jersey-based mattress and sleep products manufacturer Therapedic International and its Midwest licensee, The Bedding Group, recently celebrated the career of Steve Hoots. As the head of quality and product development at The Bedding Group, Hoots will retire June 27 after 47 years with the company.
According to a news release, employees and colleagues gathered at The Bedding Group’s Rock Island, Illinois, factory on June 18 for a surprise retirement celebration to recognize Hoots’ contributions and share memories from his nearly half-century career.
“Steve’s impact on our business is immeasurable,” said Jeffrey Sherman, owner and president of The Bedding Group. “His passion for quality and his ability to lead with humility and integrity helped define who we are, not just as a company, but as a team. He’s not part of our family by name, but he is certainly part of it in spirit.”
Hoots began his career with the company in 1978 as a hog ringer. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become a key contributor in product development for The Bedding Group and the Therapedic brand network. Working closely with Sherman and Vice President Darren Sodikoff, Hoots helped develop and refine a portfolio of products that delivered on Therapedic’s brand promise of quality, comfort and craftsmanship, the news release said.
“Steve was an exceptional leader who became a cornerstone of our operation. Whether mentoring other employees, ensuring a fanatical attitude towards quality, or going the extra mile during crunch times, he made a significant difference every day,” Sodikoff said. “Steve’s outstanding career with our company perfectly exemplifies the team culture we’ve built over the years. While his dedication, loyalty and exceptional work ethic will leave a legacy that inspires all of us in our company, it’s his character and friendship that will last forever.”
“I’ve worked with many product development and quality managers over the years, but Steve Hoots was the best. He made products that reflected his care and love for what he did. We are truly going to miss him, and we thank him for his outstanding contributions,” said Gerry Borreggine, president and CEO of Therapedic International.
Under Hoots’ leadership, The Bedding Group introduced key Therapedic product lines and helped double the company’s business within his first five years running product development. During the factory’s tenure as a Kathy Ireland Home licensee, he was pivotal in bringing new designs to market. Every bed produced under his direction reflected his meticulous attention to tailoring, fit, and feel, the company said.
“It’s amazing to think what initially led me to The Bedding Group was my car breaking down on a drive home from California. I needed a job to pay for repairs,” Hoots said. “At the time, I would not have imagined that I’d enjoy 47 years here. What’s kept me here all these years is working for Mr. Sherman and with the incredible people who’ve been part of the company. Developing new products, training younger supervisors, and focusing on the little details are what I’ll miss most. My advice for the next generation is simple: focus on tailoring and feel. The bed has to look good, and it has to feel good.”
