From her sharp eye on the production line to her positive energy in every shift, Laurie McDaniel is the kind of teammate everyone is grateful to have around. As a Coating Inspector at Mermet, Laurie brings care, focus, and heart to everything she does, along with a great sense of humor and a love for family, food, and all things Disney.

A Little Extra, Always

Laurie says she is driven by “old school” values taught by her grandparents:

“Always do your best, and then a little extra! And sometimes I’m a lot extra.”

It’s a mindset she carries into everything, whether she is inspecting fabric, adventuring with her grandson, hanging out with her best friend Jess, or spending time at the beach, hiking, or exploring museums with delicious food and good vibes involved.

And in case you didn’t know, Laurie once wanted to go to art school and become a Disney animator. She still loves all things Disney and brings that same creative spark and passion into her everyday life.

Stories That Stick

When it comes to favorite stories, Laurie has two that hold a special place in her heart:

📚 The Wizard of Oz – A childhood memory tied to her grandmother and a timeless reminder that “there’s no place like home.”
🎬 Gone With the Wind – Because Scarlett O’Hara never gave up, no matter what was thrown at her.

Laurie even named her daughter after Scarlett, hoping she would inherit that same never-quit spirit.

Leading with Care

When asked to describe her approach to work and leadership in three words, Laurie didn’t hesitate:

Knowledge. Understanding. Quality.

And the biggest lesson from her career so far?

“Always do the best you can with a good attitude. You never know what others might be going through.”

That thoughtfulness shows up in her work and in the way she supports her team.

Finding Her Place at Mermet

Though she is still relatively new compared to some of her coworkers, Laurie has already experienced the Mermet difference:

“The work family always helps each other out.”

She has had plenty of support from team members along the way and encourages others to take the same approach she has:

“Do your best, never give up, and keep learning new skills. It just gets better every day.”

From fabric inspection to spreading positivity on the floor, Laurie McDaniel is a true reflection of what makes Mermet such a special place to work. We are proud to shine the spotlight on her this month.