Our family goes far beyond the Miller and Coleman families. Several families have worked at Miller’s through three generations.
Cora
Lou Cukjati began working for Bill Miller as a teenager. Both of her
children worked here. Her niece, Debbie Walker, has worked for Miller’s
for 34 years. Debbie’s two daughters are currently on staff. Then there
is the Berry family. Thelma, who is now enjoying retirement, was here
when the lab opened its doors with a staff of 15. Her two sons, Doug
and Keith, have worked here most of their adult lives. Her son-in-law,
David, has been here for 20 years. Susie Drenik began as a high school
cooperative education student 35 years ago. Her daughter, Alicia, is
presently in Customer Service. Sharon Crain and her daughter, Melissa
Gilmore, are probably both familiar names. They respond to your calls
in Customer Service. Let’s not forget about all the Burtons. Many of
you know Arnie because of his newsletter articles, your visits with him
on the phone or his presence in the trade shows. But Arnie’s sisters,
Nema Velia, Martha Burton and Janie Spencer are on staff. Several of
them have sons and daughters who have worked here. We have numerous
husband/wife teams. Most of them, in fact, met at Miller’s.
One
of our female staff members told me that when a staff member has a
child, it is proudly labeled a “Miller’s baby”. I asked why. She said
it is because of the influence Miller’s has on every member of their
families. Guess what! We have numerous “Miller’s babies” on our staff.
These
stories go on and on. These experiences have reinforced our belief that
work ethic and dedication are learned at home. However, many of our
staff members have told us that Miller’s has fine-tuned these traits.
Don’t you know that makes us proud!
We presently have 430
on staff. Of these 217 have been with Miller’s 5 years or more, 131
have been here 10 years or more and 38 have been here 20 years or more.
During our Miller’s Christmas party, the pride on the honorees’ faces
are so evident as they walk across the stage to receive their 10, 15,
20, 25, etc. year anniversary rings. We are just as proud to be on
stage presenting that “congratulations” to our family members.
Technology
is changing faster than ever. But relationships will continue to be the
backbone of what truly creates a necessary culture in any business. We
are sure proud of ours!
Dick Coleman