Celebrating 47 Years of Leadership, Loyalty, and Legacy: Honoring Steve Hoots of The Bedding Group
At Therapedic International, our commitment to quality and long-term relationships extends far beyond the products we help bring to market—it’s rooted in the people who shape our story. Last week, we celebrated one such remarkable individual: Steve Hoots, who recently retired after an extraordinary 47-year career at The Bedding Group, the long-standing Midwest licensee of Therapedic. His journey reflects the deep culture of dedication, innovation, and camaraderie that defines our network of licensees.
A Career That Started with a Broken-Down Car
Steve’s career with The Bedding Group began in an unexpected way. “Driving home from California my car broke down, and I needed a job to pay for it,” he recalled with a smile. That job became a lifelong calling, as Steve grew into a leadership role in quality and product development, ultimately becoming the Head of Quality and Product Development.
“Steve began his career with the company in 1978 as a hog ringer. He rose through the ranks to become an instrumental figure in product development, not just for The Bedding Group but for the broader Therapedic brand network. Over the years, he became a foundational figure—equal parts craftsman, problem solver, and mentor,” said Jeffrey Sherman, owner and president of The Bedding Group.
A Team Member Who Became Family
Throughout his nearly five decades, Steve worked closely with Jeffrey Sherman. While Steve wasn’t a member of the Sherman family, his long-standing contributions and unwavering commitment earned him a place in it. His role helped shape not only the company’s production standards but also its culture, a legacy rooted in respect, craftsmanship, and personal integrity.
“Steve’s impact on our business is immeasurable,” said Sherman. “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.”
Working closely with Sherman and Darren Sodikoff, VP, Sales & Marketing, Hoots helped develop and refine a portfolio of products that delivered on Therapedic’s brand promise of quality, comfort, and craftsmanship. Sodikoff shared the leadership team’s admiration and appreciation. “The diversity and quality of the products we’ve manufactured would not have been possible without Steve’s commitment to excellence,” said Sodikoff.
“Steve has been an exceptional leader who became a cornerstone of our operation,” he added. “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 also spoke to the way Steve’s career reflects the company’s core values. “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. Although he’s not part of the lineage of our family-owned and operated business over four generations, he’s certainly considered part of the family.”
Reflections on 47 Years in Steve’s Own Words
We spoke with Steve to hear his thoughts on a career that spanned nearly half a century, and to get a glimpse into what comes next. Here’s what he shared:
- On how it all began:
“Driving home from California my car broke down, and I needed a job to pay for it.” - On what kept him with The Bedding Group:
“What kept me here for so long is working for Mr. Sherman and the people I have worked with over the years.” - On career highlights:
“Being asked to create the Kathy Ireland line back in the day was definitely cool. Developing new products and seeing them through to the finish line—that’s what I’m most proud of.” - On mentoring and passing the torch:
“What I’ll miss most is teaching the younger supervisors the tricks I have. After 47 years, I have a lot of knowledge to share.” - On blending tradition with innovation:
“In this day of manufacturing bedding, raw materials change all the time, and sometimes the old way with the new materials still works—especially with springs and special foams.” - On training others over the years:
“Oh wow—how many have I trained? Over 100 or more. The one that stands out the most and still does is Brian Lenning… now one of the best mechanics on sewing equipment that I know.” - On product development evolution:
“Going from hog-ringing to foam-encased units, and now to all pocketed coils with no foam encasement—it’s changed a lot. I developed the HD Split‑Head in queen and king sizes, which took nearly six months to perfect.” - On retirement plans:
“After 47 years, it’s going to be a challenge not to get up and get in the car to come to the factory—it’s become automatic for me. But it will be nice just to sit and have my cup of coffee. My bucket list? Work on my golf game and make a trip out East to Maine and Vermont in the fall—and have some Maine lobster.”
A Culture Rooted in People
Steve’s perspective highlights the essence of The Bedding Group’s culture: innovation backed by experience, tradition blended with flexibility, and above all, a people-first mindset that deeply aligns with the values at The Bedding Group and throughout the Therapedic licensee family. His passion for product integrity, pride in mentoring others, and adaptability through change have left a lasting imprint. His dedication, loyalty, and example will live on in the team members he helped train and the high standards he helped set.
A Celebration of Service
To honor Steve’s retirement, the team organized a surprise party in June. The event was filled with emotion, laughter, and well-earned recognition. Stories were shared, thanks were given, and a lifetime of contributions was celebrated in the way only a close-knit team can do.
Thank You, Steve
Steve Hoots’s story is one of loyalty, innovation, and mentorship, a shining example of what it means to be a leader by action and heart. At Therapedic, we’re proud to work with licensees like The Bedding Group, where that spirit thrives. And we’re even prouder to honor individuals like Steve, who remind us every day that people make the difference.
From all of us at Therapedic: thank you, Steve for your 47 years of service, your relentless pursuit of quality, and the heart you brought to every day. Your next chapter is just beginning, and we’re honored to have been a part of your extraordinary journey.