#Duckumentary - Dustin Miller

What's your favorite thing about working with your team/department?

I feel like I hit the jackpot when it comes to working with amazing people! The people at EDA are the most positive, humble, and supportive team I have ever had the pleasure of working with. They are patient and understand as I learn more about what we do as a company, and what makes EDA a unique partner to our customers in the industry. Considering my experience working in a different industry, they value my insights and perspectives, and we work together to determine best practices and ways to innovate. It’s exciting to work with people who are positive and work together so everyone is successful.

Outside of work, do you have any favorite activities or hobbies?

In the summer I enjoy being on the water, especially boating and wakeboarding. I’m not good at it, but there is nothing more freeing than being on a wave behind a boat during sunrise or sunset. I also recently started snowboarding again during winter after taking an almost 20-year break.

I enjoy building and fixing things. When I bought my first house, I read a book on wiring from Home Depot and re-wired the entire house from the meter to the last outlet. Since then, I’ve rehabbed lots of houses. My favorite is designing and building kitchens.

What's the best piece of advice you have been given relating to your job/career?

Stay humble. As you grow, remember you work for everyone on your team, not the other way around. Listen, ask questions to understand, influence, and empower team members to make decisions that advance the business as a whole.

What's one thing you never leave home without?

This is a hard one because I don’t like “stuff.” In thinking about it, the one thing I never leave home without is my Apple Watch. I’m a believer in setting personal goals. The Apple Watch helps me keep track of fitness goals, and I work to close my fitness rings every day. I’m coming up on the one-year mark. For me, it has brought consistency in my personal fitness.

Cats or dogs? Why?

Dogs. We’ve had plenty of dogs and one cat. Many years ago, before my wife and I had kids, we had a lovable cat named Grayson. Unfortunately, after we had kids, Grayson developed a habit of peeing on my pillow every time he got upset. Just my pillow, no one else’s. I went through a LOT of pillows until he passed away of old age. Loved him, but no more cats for me.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The best part of EDA is the people. There is nothing better than working with good people who want to do great things together. I don’t take for granted how incredible it is to work with people who strive to improve, exceed expectations, and work with a remarkable attitude to make a difference in the lives of others. They work proud and do it with humility.

If you were planning your favorite meal, what's on the menu?

Shrimp pesto pasta, an imperial stout, and a warm homemade brownie with ice cream. So, carbs and dairy, which I generally stay away from.

How do you stay updated on industry trends and advancements, and are there any recent developments that have caught your attention?

If there is one thing I learned from 15 years of field work, it is that you will learn almost everything you need to know by spending time in the field, both locally and in other markets. I am learning a lot about the industry by asking questions, reading industry publications, watching videos online, and spending time with those who do the work.

A few things come to mind. First, solid metal plate panel demand is growing. We’re watching closely and positioning ourselves with the right talent and equipment to efficiently fabricate our client’s needs. Second, general contractors and owners are seeking field teams with the highest safety standards. This is not a numbers game. It’s about every person returning home from their jobsite safely each day. That is what we are all here for. At EDA, we pride ourselves on working with industry-leading PPE. Our safety and field teams communicate proactive information each day on the jobsite. Lastly, when an event does occur, we share learnings and corrective actions company-wide for improvement and innovation.

What's your proudest accomplishment, either in your professional or personal life?

In 2019, my wife and I were feeling stuck, both professionally and in our personal lives. We each created vision boards through an app that would scroll twice per day to embed the visions in our minds. Mine consisted of how I wanted to show up as a father and partner, things I wanted my kids to try, the promotion I had my eye on, our dream home, and my dream sports car. Within the next year, I had accomplished everything on my vision board. It was an amazing feeling, and really speaks to the power of a consistent vision and positive thinking!