Talking Shop with Husky Liners' Scientist and Spokesperson: Hartleigh

As the face of Husky Liners' newest ad campaign, Hartleigh H has quickly amassed over 10 million views on YouTube alone with her no-nonsense attitude, white lab coat, and science-backed claims about why Husky Liners' Weatherbeater floor liners trump the competition. But who exactly is Hartleigh, and what are her credentials? 

In this feature, we had the opportunity to sit down with Husky Liners' new spokesperson to answer some burning questions about the Kansas native, scientist, and mother. Check out the transcript of our interview below to learn more about Hartleigh H.

HL: First Things First—How About You Tell Us About Yourself?

H: "I'd be happy to! First off, my name's Hartleigh, though my kids know me better as "mom." Speaking of which, I have four, though my oldest isn't too little. He just turned 15 last weekend. Then there's my daughter (11) and my two youngest, the twins, who will be five in the Summer. 

If it weren't obvious, I'm a mom before anything else, but that's far from all I am. Growing up in rural Kansas, I was always surrounded by the mud and muck of farmlands in the Spring, the road salt and slush of Winter, and the dust of Summer. However, I always longed for something…cleaner." chuckles

HL: Is That What Led You to Husky Liners?

H: "In some ways, yeah! As a kid, I'd always shoot for the moon—you should see the photos of me in grade school, walking around in a little white lab coat and safety goggles, playing scientist. Eventually, those dreams became a reality when I received the acceptance letter from Georgia Tech. 

There, I graduated with honors and began an internship with Husky Liners while pursuing my PhD. Though I initially didn't intend to stick around, I fell in love with the company's culture and the constant drive to improve and optimize products. I'm a sucker for protection and cleanliness, so Husky Liners and I clicked. 

After many sleepless nights and perseverance, I upgraded to Dr. Hartleigh and secured a full-time position in the Husky Liners lab! 

HL: What's It Like Being a Female Scientist in the Male-Dominated Automotive Field?

H: Chuckles "Well, that's a fun question. To be fully transparent, I never really let the adversity of being a woman affect my goals or work ethic. I also had my head in the books so often that I didn't really have the time to consider whether or not I was getting the short end of the stick. 

Either way, I've never let obstacles hold me back, regardless of what they were, whether that was playing sports with my boy cousins growing up, working on my grandparents' ranch in the Summer, or outperforming other interns to secure a full-time position with Husky Liners. 

To any girls out there looking to pursue a career in the automotive sector or STEM fields, I'll pass on the same sentiment I share with my daughters. You're just as smart, driven, and talented as any of the boys (if not more so). chuckles Don't let anyone hold you back—chase your passions and live your life on your terms." 

HL: How Does It Feel Being the New Face of Husky Liners?

H: "Oh gosh—well. I was pretty hesitant when they offered me the position, but I suppose I was the most qualified to stand in front of the camera. My parents didn't go anywhere without a camcorder, so I honed my acting chops over decades of home videos. laughs

I know the science, can back up the claims, and don't mind standing in front of the camera. However, I never really anticipated those videos getting 10 million views! Someone recognized me at Costco the other day, which was a bit silly. Or at least, my husband thought so. The kids think I'm famous, though, so that's been fun. chuckles

Jokes aside, it's been an honor to market the products I've had a hand in developing to the world.”

HL: What, In Your Opinion, Sets Husky Liners Apart from the Competition?

H: "How much time do we have? chuckles I could go on for hours! From durability to fitment and style, Husky Liners floor liners and other products are simply the best. That's the whole point of our ad campaign—to show off just how superior Husky Liners products are compared to the other guys. The research shows that Husky Liners are softer, cost 30 percent less, are easier to clean, and stay newer for longer. I should know—I oversaw the studies!"

HL: What Husky Liners Products Do You Use Daily?

H: "I'm a big Husky Liners fan, and I'm not just saying that because I work here. laughs I have a complete set of Weatherbeater® floor liners and a matching cargo liner in my Explorer to keep the floors clean when the twins decide to have a food fight in the back seat. The rear cargo liner is perfect for keeping my pooch's muddy paws off the carpet. 

I also have a Husky Liners hood shield and low-profile Vent Visors® on the exterior since bugs don't mess around in the Midwest! My husband also runs the whole gamut of Husky Liners' gear on his F-150 since he commutes a lot to job sites around the state.”

HL: Thanks So Much for the Conversation! Anything to Add?

H: "No, thank you guys! This was so much fun! I think I covered everything, but I'd just like to reiterate that anything is possible if you try your hardest and stick to your convictions. I have a beautiful family, multiple degrees, and an amazing career with the greatest company because of all that hard work. Also, I can't leave without recommending Husky Liners to anyone reading—trust me, I helped design most things on the site. chuckles

I appreciate all the love and support on the ads, and I hope to make more in the future! Thanks again to the whole Husky Liners crew!"