Our associates are the driving force behind all we accomplish at Milliken. From their passion for making a difference each day to their commitment to our values-based approach to business, Milliken associates bring a wide range of thoughts, ideas and perspectives to move our company forward. The range and breadth of diversity, whether of experience, background or skill set, enhances our ability to bring to market solutions that more effectively solve everyday challenges.
In celebration of Black History Month, three of our associates discuss their career at Milliken, from both a personal and professional perspective, reflecting on how important different points of view help us to evolve as a company.
Christy Vance-Tribble
Organizational Management Administrator, Human Resources
How many years have you been with Milliken?
I have been with the company for 25 years.
What do you like about Milliken?
Milliken’s family-like atmosphere has helped me grow both personally and professionally, and has been instrumental in helping me support myself and my family. I like the fact that Milliken has been successful for over 150 years, and am grateful for my 25 years of growth, opportunity and stability—thanks, Milliken!
What positive changes have you seen over the course of your career?
I’ve seen several positive changes during my time with Milliken. Within RMC, the creation of two great spaces in the Customer Center: the Innovation Gallery, which displays Milliken products in an engaging way, and the Café, a wonderful place to unwind or recharge. Importantly, seeing Milliken devote time and resources to the Diversity & Inclusion initiative is pleasing to me. Everyone should be included, treated fairly, and given opportunities to expand and excel.
David Mallard
Senior Territory Manager, Floor Covering
How many years have you been with Milliken?
I have been with the company for 21 years.
What do you like about Milliken?
One thing I like about Milliken is that management truly cares about every associate, regardless of tenure. As a new hire, my second son was born prematurely and was in a neo-natal care unit for two months before I started the seven-week Leadership Orientation Program (LOP) in Spartanburg. Before I left for South Carolina, my manager gave me a stack of airplane tickets to fly home to New York every weekend to be with my family. I decided then that I would never leave Milliken! I have always felt like a valued part of the team and that my opinion was important.
What positive changes have you seen over the course of your career?
I have seen an increase in the vast diversity of products we offer, as well as a willingness to share across divisions, markets and functions, to enable us to be an industry leader in everything we do. Milliken has always been a problem-solving company and continues to be just that today.
Gayle Williams
Corporate Logistics Manager, Floor Covering
How many years have you been with Milliken?
I have been with the company for 30 years.
What do you like about Milliken?
I like that Milliken offers its customers solutions and service, not just products. Our customers depend on us for testing and research to make their products better.
What positive changes have you seen over the course of your career?
The change that stands out most to me is when Milliken began filling open positions for middle-level management with outside applicants. Early in my career, those positions were mostly filled with internal candidates. This positive change brought in experienced associates with diverse backgrounds and management styles, strengthening our company and creating a stronger alliance within our company.
