If you ask women at Watkins Wellness why they chose to work there, their answers don’t start with job titles or responsibilities. They start with how the culture at Watkins felt—an authenticity and care that shows from the very beginning.
From the first interview to the first day on the job, many describe an immediate sense that this was a place where people mattered.
“The hiring manager wasn’t just asking questions to ‘check boxes,’” says Talent Acquisition Business Partner Leslye Rendon of her very first interview. “She was fully engaged, excited about the company, and passionate about the people she worked with. Even though I was interviewing for an entry-level assistant role at the time, I felt seen and valued as a person.”
By the end of the interview, Rendon and the hiring manager agreed that regardless of the outcome, they hoped to stay connected. “That stuck with me. It told me this wasn’t just about filling a role—it was about relationships. That authenticity and enthusiasm made it clear this was a place where people cared.”
That early impression is one many employees say holds true long after they’re hired. We spoke to five Watkins Wellness employees about how culture drives everything at the company—connection, growth, happiness, longevity.
This is why women don’t just choose Watkins Wellness. They stay.
A culture you can feel immediately
That sense of care carries through beyond the interview, shaping how employees experience their first days and beyond.
On her first day, Rendon says the entire office—including a vice president—came by her cubicle to introduce themselves. “At the time, I was a temporary employee,” she says. “And yet, I was treated like I mattered. That moment set the tone for everything that followed.”
For Anja Hollands, Director of Strategic Sourcing and Purchasing, the experience began during the recruiting process.
“Transparency, clear vision of the role, and competitive salary ranges caught my eye initially, but later I learned more about the inclusive culture and ripple effect, and felt this is a great fit for me,” she says. “My motto ‘leading by example’ and ‘Doing right to others will get you treated right by others’ is in full alignment with the Watkins Way. I appreciate the support from our Executive and Leadership teams, who promote inclusion and open-door policies not just on paper, but in reality.”
That strong sense of connection is something others felt just as quickly. Marisol Morales, a CI Technician, says what stood out most to her was the people. “They are always willing to teach, explain, and support one another,” she says. “They are committed to their work and their roles, proud of what they do, and that pride drives them to consistently perform at their best. These are people who give more than 100 percent to achieve a high-quality product.”
Even for those who joined during more uncertain times, that connection held. Eden Allen-Dueñas, a Senior Production Control and SIOP Manager, joined during the pandemic, when teams were adjusting to new ways of working.
“We learned to adapt together,” she says. “At the same time, we were facing exceptionally high demand alongside major supply chain challenges. Those conditions pushed us to truly live our Watkins Way values and strengthened collaboration across teams, functions, and leadership levels. Going through that period together built resilience and trust, and it ultimately made our culture stronger and more connected over time.”
For many employees, this experience stands in stark contrast to their previous workplaces.
From transactional to people-centered
Before joining Watkins, several women describe working in environments where performance came first and people came second. Watkins flipped the script.
Early in her career, Rendon says she worked primarily in results-driven sales environments where relationships and integrity sometimes took a back seat.
“There can be pressure in those spaces to prioritize the transaction over the person,” she says. “Coming to Watkins was a breath of fresh air. Here, transparency, ethics, and relationships truly matter. People show up as their authentic selves.”
Hollands says in manufacturing, women can often feel overlooked or have to “walk more than the extra mile to get recognized.” She’s never had that issue at Watkins.
“I have had similar roles in my previous employments, but never have I felt as valued and appreciated as I feel at Watkins,” she says. “Recently, I received two high performer awards for my achievements in 2025 and a special recognition from the Executive Team at Watkins and the MASCO Board. Those recognitions, although monetarily incentivized, have a much greater value and emotional impact than one could imagine. They show the company cares and recognizes your hard work and the value you bring to the organization.”
Employees say the person-centered Watkins Way shows up across the board—in hiring, in collaboration, in resilience—but especially in how decisions are made. Stella Patterson, an HR Strategic Business Partner, points to moments when employees are navigating loss, health challenges, or personal needs.
“In these situations, we look for ways to support the person through understanding, empathy, and practical flexibility,” Patterson says. “This approach consistently reinforces that our values are more than statements—they shape how we care for our teams, how we make decisions, and how we maintain a culture where people feel valued and supported.”
Leadership that’s visible and human
Watkins’ people-centered approach begins in policies, but is solidified by leadership at every level. A defining part of the culture is leadership that employees say feels accessible, supportive, and genuinely invested.
“We know our executive team by first name and feel comfortable reaching out with new ideas or recommendations,” Hollands says. “I appreciate the small things managers do to make their members welcome.”
When she first started, Hollands received multiple welcome emails as well as a box of cookies sent to her home—an early signal of the company’s attention to detail and care for its people.
“One of the biggest culture shocks for me was how friendly everyone is,” she says. “Every single person I pass in the hallway smiles and says hello. I’ll be honest—at first, I found it a little overwhelming.”
Over time, that openness became part of the experience. “I enjoy the time managers take to meet with you to discuss ideas, check in on your wellbeing and work-life balance, as well as the frequent events our People and Culture Department organizes,” she says.
That leadership approach extends across the organization. Morales says plant leaders play a key role in creating an environment where people feel welcomed and supported, while constantly encouraging continuous improvement.
“There is strong support for ongoing learning and professional development,” she says, “which motivates us to keep growing and contributing more to the company.”
An environment where women can grow and stay
While culture matters to every employee, many say Watkins Wellness stands out as a place where women, in particular, can build long-term, meaningful careers.
“Everyone at Watkins is treated equally, fairly, and with respect,” Hollands says. “What I love most about being a woman at Watkins is that women support women and encourage each other to reach for the stars. There is an unspoken understanding for mothers, single parents, work-life balance, and the need to attend to life not only by going to work but also to care for your family, your community, and your mental health. We build products around wellness, and we care for the well-being of each other.”
Allen-Dueñas agrees. “While my career has always been a top priority, my primary job is being a mom to my two daughters,” she says. “The culture of Watkins and the emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility allows me to do both, without ever having to sacrifice one for the other. This is one of the key influences behind my longevity with the company.”
Just as important, employees say, is the sense of equity and opportunity.
“Watkins Wellness is a place where you can truly thrive based on your skills, ideas, and leadership, not your gender,” Allen-Dueñas says. “It’s an inclusive environment where your voice matters, and you are empowered to lead and grow. I have always felt valued and respected, and I’ve never felt treated differently because I’m a woman, which makes it a place where you can focus on doing your best work and advancing your career.”
Rendon says the support at Watkins has been transformative to her career, and it’s bolstered by a strong feeling of camaraderie among women employees.
“Watkins Wellness is a place where women can grow, pivot, and lead,” she says. “I was hired by a female at a pivotal moment in my career when I was transitioning from sales into HR. I was stepping into something new, and she saw potential in me. That kind of leadership changes lives. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside intelligent, capable women who are not only experts in their fields, but also generous mentors and strong team builders. For women looking to thrive—not just succeed, but truly grow in confidence and capability—Watkins offers both opportunity and support.”
A culture people choose and continue choosing
For many employees, what starts as a strong first impression becomes a long-term reason to stay.
Patterson, who has spent years with the company, says the consistency of the culture is what stands out most.
“During my long tenure with Watkins, our culture has consistently remained one of the things I value most. I often tell new hires that we’re an exceptional organization made up of people you truly enjoy working with—colleagues you want to collaborate with and spend time with outside of work. We work hard, and we also know how to have fun. Together.”
The recipe for success at Watkins is both simple and intuitive: be engaged and be yourself.
“It’s a place where you can build strong relationships, feel respected, and be comfortable being yourself from day one,” Patterson says. “If you lean into the culture—ask questions, engage with your team, and embody our values—you’ll quickly feel at home and positioned for success.”
The combination of support, opportunity, and people-centered culture continues to attract women to Watkins Wellness—and once they’re there, it’s often what keeps them growing in confidence, making an impact, and shaping their own paths.
Watkins Wellness® helps people Feel Good. Live Well. Join a team where innovation meets wellness, leaders are accessible, and employees are empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive. From hot tubs and Endless Pools® to Sauna360, they create products—and careers—that make a real impact.
