The Heart of Culp, Inc. Why Giving Back Matters – Teresa Huffman

Having worked for Culp for almost four decades, I can proudly say that the company’s 52-year legacy of success has been built upon best-in-class service, employee appreciation, sustainable growth and positively impacting the communities we serve. As the SVP and chief human resources officer, my primary focus is on people. The fact that Culp values each individual person is one of the main reasons I’ve been with the company for so long. Culp has always been committed to more than just business. We’re dedicated to making a meaningful difference wherever we operate.

For example, our ‘Share the Warmth’ initiative, which launched last winter, and will be continued again this year, embodies this commitment. The initiative was born from our desire to address a pressing need in our communities—providing warmth and comfort to those experiencing homelessness. We realized that our excess mattress fabric could be repurposed into blankets. We then donated those blankets to the High Point-based charity, Cover the City, and we also shipped blankets to Culp’s window treatment production facility in Knoxville, Tenn., which were then donated to the Tennessee Valley Coalition for the Homeless. This initiative allowed us to transform what might have been waste into something profoundly impactful.

Some may ask why giving back is so important to Culp, and the answer lies in our values. Our employees are our greatest asset, and their commitment to community service reflects the core of who we are as a company. When we engage in projects like ‘Share the Warmth,’ we’re not just giving away products; we’re building a sense of unity and purpose. We’re demonstrating that we care about our neighbors and the well-being of the broader community. It reinforces the idea that we are not just a business entity but a partner in creating a better world. Every blanket we distribute through this initiative carries with it not only warmth but also a message of compassion and solidarity.

Culp’s community involvement extends beyond the United States to Haiti and Asia, where the company has manufacturing facilities. In February 2022, we created a global charitable initiative called ‘Share the Love,’ and it has become an annual event. The initiative is adapted to the cultural norms of each country where CULP operates. Local facilities identify organizations to support, leading to diverse projects such as making blankets for local law enforcement and donating toys to orphanages.

For Culp, giving back is a privilege.  It allows us to use our resources, skills, and creativity for the greater good. We are proud of our corporate culture of generosity. By doing so, we remain true to our mission of enhancing lives, not just through our products, but through our actions and values.

Teresa Huffman is chief human resources officer at mattress and upholstery manufacturer CULP.