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Talent Spotlight: Lori Yeargain

April 28, 2026
By: Charleston
Workforce
Talent Spotlight: Lori Yeargain

What’s your background? What led you to becoming an Inventory Control Specialist at KION?
I have worked in several manufacturing facilities in production, quality assurance and logistics. The first one was a company that made surgical tables, lights and operating room accessories. I was in production and was approached by the logistics supervisor to join his team as a receiving clerk. We rotated every four months in receiving, small package shipping and LTL shipping. And warehousing, of course, goes hand-in-hand with shipping and receiving.

How did you end up in CHS?
My father was in the Navy, and we came here in ’74. At that time, it was a very small town. My father retired here and I just stayed. Now, Charleston has a lot to offer. The saying is there are “endless things to do here.” From the ocean and lakes, to only being a couple of hours away from the mountains. I’ve just never wanted to be anywhere else. I‘ve been all around growing up with the Navy but as an adult there is just no other place I‘d rather be.

What are the biggest benefits of working in CHS?
For a company, probably the containership ports in Charleston, as well as the close proximity to major freeways – I-95 running north and south along the coast and I-26 running east to west. Also, the railway access.

Where do you envision  KION North America going in the future?|
The company is very transparent with its goals and projected growth. I see it continuing to expand and increase output as planned.

What are you passionate about outside of work? What keeps you balanced?
Family and friends keep me grounded. Both of my children and four grandchildren live in the Charleston area.

Describe your ideal, quintessential Charleston day.
I have spent most of my life here and gravitated toward the water in my younger days. Going to the beach, lake or floating down the river is what we did on the weekends. Today, lunch and a day of shopping with friends is always fun.  We try different locally owned restaurants and artesian shops.  Antique shops and thrift stores are usually on the list as well. If I have out-of-town guests, downtown Charleston has a lot to offer in 19th century history. It also has a lot of fine dining and nightlife.  Charleston and surrounding areas are always good for a festival or two during the course of the year as well.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

 

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