A lot of the things we use and are amazed at every day started with “wouldn’t it be cool if … ” It’s that kind of commitment to improvement that also drives Reid Miller and why he has been able to carve out a career as someone who helps companies solve problems. Read on to learn more about Reid, the type of music that pairs best with skiing, and why overthinking isn’t a bad thing.
Name: Reid Miller
Current Role/Job Title: Senior Account Executive
Company: DAKCS Software Systems, Inc.
Length of time at current company: 17 years
Length of time in industry: 18 Years
How did you get your start in the industry?
I started as a support and implementation technician. This transitioned into setup and configuration which led me to a role as a trainer and consultant. I spent 12 years consulting with businesses and agencies to improve processes and performance.
What is your career highlight so far?
Providing creative solutions to make our jobs easier. The satisfaction from setting up a more productive system, which operates a company’s entire financial and workflow processes. Then seeing that company grow and thrive.
When or how are you most productive?
Typically, mid-morning and late afternoon. The middle of the day is usually busy. I use the time first thing in the morning to organize and prepare for the day.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
The businesses and colleagues that I have had the ability to work with and learn from.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Overthinking! This helps with problem solving. The key is to incorporate patience so you can thoroughly evaluate the situation.
What do you like most about this industry?
The ongoing challenges that are unique to our industry. Though difficult to deal with in the moment, from a unique perspective, those issues also create a healthy environment that forces us to remain eager to learn and adapt. The most successful businesses I have worked with over the years are the ones that are willing to investigate and are against the “set it and forget it” mentality.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
That everyone could have the same understanding of the importance of our industry. The stabilization we provide to the economy is often mis-valued and overlooked.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Motorsports and racing. I am a hobby mechanic and I enjoy working on cars and motorcycles.
Describe a typical work day
Every day has something new to offer. I am fortunate to be able to work with all different aspects of our company. I reserve time in the morning for an organization of the day before it begins and a short recap at the end of each day to help close out and prepare for tomorrow. Coffee in the morning is a ritual and something midday to get away for a moment. Maybe a short walk or bike ride during lunch.
What is your guilty pleasure?
80’s Music. Especially when skiing.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
It takes all types of people to make a world. It would be boring if we were all the same so be yourself.
What are you currently reading?
The Challenger Customer
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
The majority of my time in the industry has been spent consulting businesses for improvement. There is always something to learn and a way to improve, especially in our industry’s changing landscape. I like to take time often to step back and critique processes and look for areas of improvement. In this space “it would be nice if…” should always be evaluated.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Someone who is new to the industry.