Valerie Miller; Asphalt Supply Manager |
As interviewed by Bob Cheever, Jebro's General Manager of Transportation and Logistics |
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How long have you been with Jebro? |
Four and half years. |
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What are some things you like about your job? |
I like the fact that I get to do something different each day. I also love visiting with our customers at conferences/conventions or on the job site. |
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In your current role as Asphalt Supply Manager what is your function within the company? |
I’m responsible for the asphalt purchases and supply and demand for Knife River. |
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What led you down the path to become a civil engineer? |
It all stemmed back from high school physics class. We had a project where we had to build a bridge out of toothpicks. It really amazed me to see something get built from nothing to something. My interest turned to road construction after I started college. |
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What did you do before Jebro? |
I worked with my dad. He owns his own construction company, so I’ve helped him build or remodel houses since I was 10. My favorite part of construction has always been shingling and putting up drywall. |
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What was an interesting day at work for you? |
On the last day of my internship with Woodbury County I had to assist in surveying a swamp. They made me put on waders and hold the survey rod. I drove across the bridge a couple years later and noticed the only improvement they made was to put in some new guardrail. I’m not sure why you would need to survey the entire swamp to put in some guardrail. |
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Are you married? |
I’ve been married for five years to my husband Tony. We met while attending South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. |
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What are your hobbies? |
I like to golf however I don’t get out as much as I’d like to. The best thing about golf is that it is so relaxing. I like to exercise, I run on my treadmill at least 5-6 times per week. I also like to garden. Tony and I have a garden at home where we grow carrots, peas, onions, peppers and tomatoes. |
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If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you’d buy for yourself? |
I’ve always wanted a red Dodge Viper with yellow rims. The problem is that I don’t know how to drive a stick, so I’d have to learn. |
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Do you have any words of wisdom for people starting out their careers? |
The one rule that I always try to live by is that you need to be yourself. I’m honest, hard working, and truly want what’s in the best interest of our customers and our company. I’ve never allowed anyone to try to make me change how I do business, because that’s what works for me. |
