TSSIP - Key Persons
Becky grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, and has known Michelle since high school (so not that long). Michelle and Becky became good friends when they worked at Bemis Mills together. Along with her knowledge of thread, Becky also has a BBA in Marketing from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. This comes in handy, as Becky works to support the sales team and many of the marketing tasks associated with sales. She is also the friendly voice on the other end of the phone when you call. Becky and her husband Robert have been married for over 25 years and they have two beautiful daughters, Abby and Katy, and two furbabies, Ruby Sue and Zuzu's Petals. Before coming to work for TSS, Becky was a "domestic engineer" for the Mullins' household. Becky and her family live in the country and wouldn't trade it for the world. Becky's daughters are grown and making their way in the world but Becky's "nest" still isn't empty thanks to her newest venture…raising chickens!! Country living at its best!
Larry "The Thread Dude" Boyd is also an owner of TSS, alongside his wife, Michelle. Oh, and if you haven't noticed, he's also the only male team member. What a lucky guy he is!! Larry is the money man. He takes care of accounts payable and receivable, shipping, inventory, payroll, and anything else we ask him to, so long as we ask nicely! When he isn't crunching numbers, you'll probably find him outdoors…. he loves to hike! Larry is also quite the "Mr. Fix-It" and can be found doing odd jobs for people or at his church. This talent has been especially helpful during the mission work he has been involved in. If you haven't read our awesome newsletter, then you are missing out on Larry's great sense of humor and knowledge of odd facts!
Marlie is originally from Ohio, but she attended college at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she met her husband, Jamie. Upon completing college, they moved to Jackson, TN, where Jamie is from and works in his family business. Marlie has worked in the retail business for the past nine years, so customer service and the "small business way" are at the forefront of her interaction with customers. She is the mother of two daughters, Graylynn (11) and Ford (5). They love the outdoors and that's where you'll probably find them on any given nice day, especially in the fall (her favorite season) unless football is on! Marlie has a connection to the Boyd family too. She was Kenadee's cheer and gymnastics coach when she was in high school and Kenadee was Graylynn's summer nanny for a few summers.
Michelle is affectionately known as "the thread lady" for her 20+ year career in the industrial thread industry. In 1989, Michelle began her career in the thread business at Bemis Mills, in Bemis TN. She spent weeks in the plant watching all the details and precision of making thread. The trucks arrived from the area gins filled with cotton bolls. The plant had 4 floors of manufacturing and Michelle was able to spend time in each department learning all the details of every process. Along with fabric, there were two main yarns manufactured- Ring Spun and Open End. The processes for manufacturing yarns was long and complicated. However, you are no longer able to witness this process in the United States. If you want ALL of the details on these processes, just give her a call and she will be happy to share her wealth of knowledge with you! I can assure you there are very few, if anyone, left in this industry that have witnessed the entire process like Michelle has been able to.
Michelle has been married to Larry for over 25 years and they have 4 grown daughters- Mandy, Laramee, Kenadee and Delanee, plus two fur-babies, Mercee & Coco Chanel- who are very demanding of Michelle's time and attention. As empty-nesters, they enjoy going on new adventures together and visiting their girls, who reside in four different states!
Michelle attributes 100% of her success to her Father above. She made a promise when establishing TSS, to give Him all the glory. The foundation of TSS is built on faith and prayer. This journey has not been about finding earthly riches and success, but has been about paying it forward and helping others along the way. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men that he may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." As He promises, He has been forever faithful and His blessings flow. No matter what anyone says, BUSINESS IS PERSONAL!
Tracey was born on Long Island, NY, grew up in Dayton, TN, but has made her home in Jackson, TN, for the past 22 years. She attended Lipscomb University in Nashville where she earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Education. She was a school teacher for several years and then was blessed to be a Stay-at-Home Mom while her boys were growing up. She has three amazing sons! Clay and his wife Amelia live in Nashville, TN. Gunnar lives in Jackson and currently works for one of Tracey's lifelong friends. Ryder, her youngest, rests in the arms of Jesus…he lost his life at the age of 13 in a tubing accident three years ago. Tracey serves on the board of the Ryder Lewis Memorial Fund, which helps to enrich the lives of others while honoring Ryder.
Tracey loves life, her family, friends, and loves the Lord! She is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need! Tracey loves the beach, camping at the river (which they've named "Ryder's Landing"), and spending time with family/friends. She is excited to use her talents to serve the TSS customers! Tracey will be helping Larry in the Accounting and Shipping department.