Meet Milliken Heidi Burmeister

Our Meet Milliken series highlights our associates who guide us to success and embody our values: integrity, excellence, innovation, sustainability, and people.

Ever wondered what it’s like to lead a dynamic team in the commercial flooring industry? Meet Heidi Burmeister, Milliken Flooring's Sales Manager for the Southeast region. Heidi not only manages her team but also expertly navigates the complexities of this fast-paced, competitive industry. In 2024, she was honored with the Starnet Dream Team award, recognizing her exceptional teamwork, collaboration, and dynamic sales performance.

From Textiles to Flooring

Heidi’s journey at Milliken began in April 1997. After graduating from NC State with a degree in textiles, Heidi worked in recruiting and job placement for the College of Textiles at NC State. A collaboration between Milliken and The College of Textiles allowed Heidi to join Milliken through a short-term position at the Milliken Design Center in LaGrange, GA, which sparked her interest in the company. “I was there during the Live Oak manufacturing rebuild, and it was an amazing time to be associated with Milliken,” Heidi recalls. This experience led her to a long-term career in the flooring division, where she has thrived for nearly three decades.

A Day in the Life

As the  Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region, Heidi’s role is anything but monotonous. “Every single day is completely different,” she says. Her responsibilities range from traveling with sales associates to visiting customers, presenting at trade shows, conducting on-site training, and developing long-term plans to infiltrate competitive accounts. “The good and bad is that each day has its own set of challenges, but that means there’s never a dull moment,” Heidi explains. Her passion for her job is evident as she describes the variety and excitement that each day brings.

Building Authentic Relationships

One of the key factors that has kept Heidi at Milliken for so long is the people. “It’s really the people and the relationships that I’ve built,” she says. Heidi emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with customers and colleagues alike. “Through my career and my training at Milliken, I’ve been able to develop really authentic relationships, not just with my customers but with my peers and teammates,” she adds. These relationships have been a cornerstone of her success and satisfaction at Milliken.

A Passion for Mentorship and Team Success

In her current role, Heidi finds immense satisfaction in coaching and developing her team. “2024 was my first full year as a regional manager working with the SE sales team. In 2024, eight of nine reps met quota, seven out of nine hit their stretch goal and six out of nine reps sold their personal best in volume – the team had a phenomenal 2024! As a result, the SE region was recognized as “Region of the Year” at our national sales meeting in February,” she proudly shares.

The team achieved a remarkable 28% growth in 2024, a testament to their hard work and Heidi’s leadership. “It was extremely rewarding to be a part of it and to enjoy everyone’s success. I am really proud of what each individual was able to achieve!” she says.

Life Outside of Milliken

Outside of work, Heidi lives in Charlotte with her husband Rick and their 16-year-old daughter, Hadley. She enjoys playing pickleball, a sport she finds fun and engaging. Heidi also has a love for antiques and interior design, a passion she inherited from her mother who owned an antique store. “I love anything related to interiors and creativity,” she says. Heidi’s hobbies reflect her dynamic personality and her ability to find joy in both her professional and personal life.

Commitment to People and Ethics

When asked about Milliken’s core values, Heidi highlights the importance of people. “To me, it’s the people that make Milliken so special,” she says. Heidi believes that building authentic relationships is crucial for success, both with customers and within the company. She also emphasizes the importance of ethics, defining it as “doing the right thing when nobody is watching.” Heidi appreciates Milliken’s clear expectations and standards regarding ethical behavior, which align with her own values.

Exciting Innovations in Flooring

Heidi is particularly excited about Milliken’s PVC-free resilient flooring. “It’s a game changer”, she says. This environmentally friendly product offers the same benefits as traditional luxury vinyl tile but without the harmful PVC. “We’re one of just a few manufacturers that have this type of product, and I think it’s going to be a game changer.”

A Bright Future at Milliken

Heidi Burmeister’s journey at Milliken is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering talent and building authentic relationships. Her diverse experiences and passion for her work make her a valuable member of the Milliken team, continually driving success and innovation in the commercial flooring industry.

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