Meet the Maker Tony Priester

At Milliken, the dedication and expertise of our associates form the foundation of our success. We’re spotlighting the resilient individuals behind our products, who carry forward a proud history of excellence and commitment in manufacturing. Today, we highlight Tony Priester, a Variable Overhead Supervisor at the Hatch Plant in Columbus, North Carolina, whose service stands as a testament to his loyalty, expertise, and dedication to his colleagues.

A Journey of Growth and Dedication

Tony Priester’s journey with Milliken began 33 years ago, with an unlikely start. "My wife's grandmother worked here, and I was a tree cutter. During the winter, it was tough to find jobs, so she told me they were hiring at Hatch Plant," Tony recalls. What started as a means to find stable employment turned into a lifelong career. "I started cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, moved to an operator, then a technician, and from there to maintenance. I eventually advanced to service engineering in the shop and now am the Variable Overhead Supervisor."

Valuing People and Teamwork

Tony’s career at Milliken has been marked by his appreciation for the people he works with. "I’m a people person. I like working with people who are knowledgeable, or if they’re not, they’re not afraid to ask questions," he says. "When you ask questions, you're able to teach and lead them in the right direction."

His commitment to his team is evident in how he describes his colleagues. "We're putting in new machinery in the plant. We rely on each other. James McAbee, Terry Holt, and Tim Hull — they’re on my team, and we all know the next step that needs to be done. They're ahead of me doing their steps, and it’s that teamwork that makes the dream work."

The Importance of Leadership and Safety

Tony’s leadership style is grounded in empathy and understanding. He emphasizes the need to differentiate between leaders, followers, and those who need more guidance. "You’ve got to have somebody that’s not afraid to go that extra mile. There are leaders who get things done, followers who do anything asked of them, but might hesitate to step up, and then there’s a third group who might not understand," Tony explains. "As a leader, you need to give positive criticism to help them understand, and sometimes realize a person might not be suited for a particular job but could excel in another role."

Safety is a top priority for Tony, and he extends this concern to everyone he works with. "I don’t care who you are, I want you to go home safe. We all have families to go home to. If I go home injured, I can’t play with my grandbabies," he says. "The number one priority is you go home with everything you came to work with."

Making a Difference Beyond the Plant

Tony’s role at Milliken extends beyond the plant floor. He is involved in Performance Solutions by Milliken, where he shares his expertise with external customers. "We’re all in a global market that’s tough right now. Companies might be our competitors, but they have the same safety and quality challenges we have. It’s a partnership," he says. "If we're struggling with an issue, another company might have already solved it, and we can learn from each other."

A Family Man

Tony’s dedication to his work is matched by his commitment to his family. "I've been married for 34 years. My wife, Kathy, works at a high-end retirement complex. We have a son, Dylan, who is a firefighter, and a daughter, Gracie, who we adopted through foster care," he shares. "We’ve had eight children come through our home as foster parents, and it’s been rewarding."

Join Us in Recognizing These Remarkable Individuals

Tony Priester’s 33 years of service are a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication to his colleagues, his commitment to safety, and his willingness to go above and beyond. We’re spotlighting Tony and all our associates who make Milliken an exceptional place to work. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of our continued success.

As we continue to innovate and solve problems, driven by curiosity and collaboration, we invite you to join us in recognizing the incredible people behind our products. At Milliken, our associates are our greatest asset, and their stories inspire us to keep pursuing a better tomorrow.

To read more associate stories, visit here.

Want to join #TeamMilliken? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.