Kenya D.

What does it take for a temp job to turn into a twenty-five-and-counting-year career? For Kenya, it was the discovery that she had a passion for making things with her own hands.

“I started at Stanfield in 1999 while attending college full time. After five months, I found that I had more passion for my job than I did for the pursuit of my degree,” she explains. “I started out as a machine attendant. Today, after several promotions and training experiences, I’m a group leader, still learning and developing in a lot of ways.”

After working here for twenty-five years, Kenya believes she has a responsibility to share the experiences she’s gained with the next generation. “Having worked at Stanley Black & Decker for as long as I have, I know that you bring experience, viewpoint and responsibility with you—not just information,” she says. “Passing that along is a duty. It fosters a society where individuals develop, achievement is shared and knowledge never ends.”

She continues, “It’s not just about supporting another person. Mentoring helps you stay anchored in what truly counts—boosting others as you advance, sharpening your own talents and demanding that you lead by example.”

Working In a Tight-Knit Community

The facility’s workplace culture also shaped her career. Many long-tenured employees call our Stanfield facility home. “Everyone knows each other’s names, and a lot of people have friendships outside of work,” Kenya states.

She shared a story to illustrate the closeness of her work environment. One day, while everyone was leaving their shift, a coworker experienced car troubles a few miles from the facility during a rainstorm. “People could have easily just gone home, especially in the rain,” she shares. “But at least half the team pulled over to help him out.”

A Workplace Where Safety Comes First

Kenya has been part of Stanfield’s safety team for twenty years and served as president for about seven. “Because we’re part of a small community, you see your coworkers and their families outside of work. I don’t want to have to explain to anyone’s family members why their loved ones were hurt doing their job.”

Our Stanfield facility is part of the North Carolina Department of Labor’s (NCDOL) Carolina Star Program. This program recognizes the employees and employers who implement health and safety management systems and maintain injury and illness rates.

As part of Stanfield’s safety team, Kenya regularly represents the Company at Carolina Star Program events and functions. Recently, she was selected to accept an award from the organization for Stanfield’s commitment to workplace safety. Kenya described the importance of safety in the workplace and the mindset she and the team have.

“Employees are the most priceless resource any business has, and safety in Stanfield is fundamental rather than a policy,” Kenya says. “Our Company’s emphasis on safety demonstrates a respect for our people, ensuring every employee feels valued and secure.”

To create a culture of safety, the team conducts weekly audits of the shop floor, checking that machine guards are functional, hand tools are being used properly and that operators are using personal protective equipment. The team also hosts weekly safety training meetings to teach current policies and provide more in-depth training if changes are implemented.

Kenya has also participated in training events to expand her personal knowledge pertaining to workplace safety, including OSHA and first aid training. “This has helped me identify hazards, advocate for a safe workplace and mentor others, particularly in high-risk circumstances,” she says.

There’s Pride and Belonging in Our Purpose

Kenya feels pride knowing that our products can not only be found in major retailers but are being used to rebuild western North Carolina communities impacted by hurricanes.

“I see the phrase ‘For Those Who Make The World’ not as merely a slogan, but as the daily purpose we live by,” she says. “It’s about enabling the builders, the fixers, the folks who get right to work to produce something genuine. I’m proud that our work here at Stanfield supports this goal.”

Kenya also described how uniting behind a common purpose fosters a sense of belonging in her workplace. “We all help to create something actual and enduring,” she says. “A strong sense of belonging results from that shared purpose—the idea that what we do counts and that we do it together.”