I’m Sinai Leis, the HR Recruiting Manager for the South Georgia division at Thomas Concrete. I’m a proud mom to three amazing girls, and my journey to this role has been anything but ordinary. I have a strong background in sales and real estate, and as a bilingual, first-generation Cuban-American, I’ve learned how to navigate and connect with people from all walks of life. Before joining Thomas, I worked in commercial real estate, where I got to see projects come to life from the ground up. I also took on the challenge of owning and managing a student housing and vacation rental business, which gave me an entrepreneurial mindset and taught me the value of hard work and adaptability.
In my role, I focus on bringing in top talent, helping our team grow, and making sure they feel supported every step of the way. I also work closely with our leaders, guiding them through our policies and procedures so they can lead effectively. My job keeps me on my toes—I get to work with people in so many different roles and positions, which makes every day unique. I believe in having open and honest conversations, even when they’re tough, because they help set clear expectations and allow people to grow. With 11 plants to manage, I’m on the road a lot, but I make it a priority to meet face-to-face. There’s just something about connecting in person that builds stronger relationships and makes all the difference.
A typical day for me starts with lacing up my steel-toe boots and heading out to the plants, ready to tackle whatever comes my way. I might be answering employee questions about policies, helping resolve an issue, or just checking in to see how everyone is doing. For me, it’s about making sure our employees know HR is not just a department—they can rely on us as a resource and a partner.
I collaborate closely with my area managers to prepare for challenges and find proactive solutions. These conversations go beyond operations or disciplinary matters; they’re about understanding the people side of the business and making sure everyone feels supported. I also dedicate time to building relationships, whether it’s helping a new hire get settled, providing coaching, or even just sharing a laugh with the team.
Each month, I attend plant manager and safety meetings. These are opportunities for me to introduce myself to new faces, discuss any concerns, and share ideas to improve the employee experience. I also emphasize safety and ensure everyone understands it’s our top priority.
I manage 11 plants, which means I’m always on the go. Being present and approachable is at the heart of what I do. I believe there’s real power in face-to-face interactions—they help me build trust, understand people better, and create a workplace where everyone feels valued.
I’ve worked at Thomas for about 1,5 years now.
For me, the best part of being a part of Team Thomas is seeing the real difference we make every day. I love witnessing how happy and engaged our employees are. It’s something I see firsthand when I visit the plants and talk to the team. Our recent employee survey, which exceeded global benchmarks, really reinforced what I already knew: people here feel valued and committed.
What I truly love is how, even as a large company, we’ve held onto that family-like atmosphere. It feels like more than just a workplace—we’re building meaningful careers and creating a space where everyone feels supported. Being part of a team that has such a positive impact on both its employees and the community makes me incredibly proud.
