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Leslie Hues and Halie Tanner

At our Deer Park, Texas, facility, the concept of family extends beyond the conventional boundaries for two half-sisters, Leslie and Halie. Working under the same roof but in different departments, they’ve helped foster a unique dynamic that exemplifies our company's family oriented culture.

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Starting as a contractor, Leslie has risen through the ranks over 25 years to become a respected parts business leader. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and the opportunities for growth that our company provides. Halie, who joined the team more recently in 2018 through �����˿����� Staffing, has swiftly transitioned to a full-time role as a human resources representative.

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Leslie's experience has equipped her with valuable insights about the importance of a supportive work environment. She emphasizes, “In my group, we take pride in having a close work family. If you want to stay with a company for the long haul, look for an organization that’s family oriented. Even on the most challenging days, being with your secondary family makes coming to work a rewarding experience.”

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Despite a 12-year age gap, Leslie and Halie have found that working together has strengthened their bond. Their individual interests – Leslie's passion for fishing with her daughter and Halie's enthusiasm for cruising and go-kart racing with her husband – are complemented by shared family activities. The sisters cherish the time spent with their extended family, including their 92-year-old grandparents. Favorite family outings include cheering on the Houston Astros and attending baseball/softball games to support their younger brother and cousin’s daughter, who are high school seniors.����

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Leslie's pride in her professional accomplishments is matched by her personal achievements, notably her return to college later in life to earn a degree in business management and the adoption of her daughter, whom she has lovingly raised and legally adopted. Halie, too, expresses pride in her role. “It was a big decision for me to apply for this position. I was excited to join �����˿����� and I’m so proud to be part of #TeamPurple.”

The Brazie Family

Braelea and Braden Brazie
The lineage of dedication to the company at Painted Post is impressive, with Braelea and Braden following in the footsteps of their grandfather, uncles, and their father, who is affectionately referred to as the pillar of the factory in our next feature. Collectively, their family has contributed over a century of service, a testament to the company's stability and its role as a provider for their family through the generations.

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Braelea, who joined �����˿����� two years ago, serves as a shipping clerk, meticulously handling the essential paperwork needed to export the company's products worldwide. Her brother Braden, with a tenure of one and a half years, is a skilled manual machinist. He takes pride in his craft, having been personally trained by their father on the trio of machines he operates. "My dad has dedicated 45 years to this company. He's on the first shift with me and is a constant presence here—it's like a second home to him," Braden shares with admiration.

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The siblings hail from a large and tightly knit family, including two older brothers and an older sister. Their mother, a stay-at-home mom, provides a calming influence that complements their father's outgoing nature. Braelea reflects on the family dynamics, "Our father always made us his priority. He worked the second shift for many years, which allowed him to be there for us, taking us to school and being present before heading to work."

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Working alongside family members offers unique benefits, as Braelea points out. "It's one thing to build a familial bond with coworkers, but it's another to have your actual family right there with you. Sharing meals and catching up during breaks adds a personal touch that goes beyond the usual phone calls to check in on each other's day."

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Outside of work, Braelea and Braden share a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing. Braden spends his spare time fine-tuning his muscle car, while Braelea prefers to work on her classic trucks. Their family bond extends to their daughters, aged 8 and 6, who they love to bring together, especially when they're participating in sports.

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Braelea finds joy in the dynamic nature of her role. "I love the responsibility that comes with my job. The fact that each country has its own set of requirements and timelines means that my work is always varied and engaging."

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For Braden, the work itself is a source of motivation. "There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a piece of bar stock into a piston rod. Plus, the family history here and working alongside my dad every day—it's something special," he says with a sense of pride.

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Dale and Greg Brazie
Starting with Everett Sr. in 1965 and his four sons, to today with Dale, devoted father to Braden and Braelea, along with their uncle Greg, and Brock, Dale’s grandson, the Brazie family has collectively dedicated over 174 years of service to the company at Painted Post.

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Greg, the elder of the duo, is about to celebrate an impressive 48-year tenure at �����˿����� in July. As an area supervisor overseeing the machine shop, his leadership has been instrumental in the company's operations. Dale, not far behind with 45 years of service, boasts a remarkable versatility, having worked in nearly every capacity within the plant. Their father, Everett Sr., set the precedent for the Brazie family's commitment, retiring as one of the company's oldest retirees at 74 after 30 years of service. The Brazie brothers' two other siblings, Everett Jr. with 23 years and Douglas with 25 years also contributed a combined 48 years to the company's success. Continuing the family tradition, Dale's grandson, Brock, recently began his own journey with �����˿�����, joining the ranks after graduating from high school.

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The Brazie family's dedication to the company illustrates their work ethic and values. Greg fondly recalls their father's advice: "I got your foot in the door, but you guys have to do the rest." His words have propelled them to excel in their respective roles and set an example for others.

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Working together has its perks, as the brothers share more than just a last name. "I think we communicate better," Greg observes. "You work harder to avoid favoritism, and you stay a little later."

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The Brazies are strong proponents of family members working in tandem, having witnessed firsthand the benefits it brings. "We encourage it because it can help grow the business," explains Greg. "When you're part of the �����˿����� family, you invest more personally. And if you succeed, everyone succeeds."

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Outside of work, Greg and Dale share a passion for automobiles, spending their weekends restoring Greg’s impressive collection of 11 cars. Dale owns a side business in home painting, where he has lent his expertise to the homes of many �����˿����� employees.

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As the most experienced siblings at the plant, Dale and Greg have been witnesses to its evolution and the challenges it has faced. They recall significant events, such as the 1972 flood that inundated the plant with 10 feet of water, and a dramatic incident where a water tank explosion demolished a reinforced concrete wall. Dale's quick thinking and bravery were on display when he used his shirt to stem a colleague's bleeding, waiting with him until help arrived.

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The Brazie brothers' story is one of dedication, resilience, and the enduring strength of family ties. Their legacy at �����˿����� is a powerful reminder of the impact that a family can have on a company, and the positive influence a company can have on a family.