Employee Spotlight – Amanda Miller
In this month’s employee spotlight, we celebrate Amanda Miller, a Project Engineer in our Tulsa office. With over a decade at Cisco-Eagle, Amanda tackles each challenge with the right technology and process for the application. Beyond her technical expertise, Amanda is passionate about fostering teamwork and ensuring her projects are at the forefront of innovation.
How do you approach problem-solving in your role?
Each new project presents its own unique challenges—no two customers, products, or solutions are alike. While I leverage the insights gained from past projects when applicable, I prefer to approach each project with a fresh perspective. I believe in building solutions from the ground up, custom-tailored to each customer’s specific needs. This approach allows us to innovate and deliver highly effective solutions that truly meet our clients’ requirements.
Can you discuss a project that you’re particularly proud of and the impact it had on the customer?
Certainly, a few projects stand out, but one in particular was a large storage solution we implemented for a third-party freezer storage company. Initially, they used a type of rack known as drive-in rack, but as their needs evolved, we helped them transition to a different rack system that improved their pick times significantly. This change brought considerable value to their operations, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Another notable project involved Educational Development Corporation. They were experiencing rapid growth, and we were already engaged with them on smaller projects. We discussed the potential of moving to a new facility and upgrading their lines, which ultimately helped them reduce fulfillment errors and expedite shipping to their customers. These projects not only benefited our clients but were also immensely fulfilling for our team.
How do you collaborate with other teams within Cisco-Eagle, and how does this collaboration contribute to the company’s success?
Effective collaboration hinges on open communication. It’s easy to talk about being open, but it’s another thing to practice it, especially when the conversations might lead to disappointment or frustration. It’s crucial to approach these situations with courage and honesty, ensuring that necessary communications are not just timely but also constructive. Early and clear communication fosters better teamwork and leads to successful project outcomes.
What inspired you to pursue engineering?
My journey into engineering was sparked by a high school calculus teacher, Mr. Williams. He once brought in a former student who had pursued engineering, and this interaction piqued my interest and led me to explore further. Mr. Williams also connected me to becoming involved in a tutoring program as a teacher, which solidified my foundation in mathematics and steered me toward industrial engineering. His guidance was instrumental in shaping my career path.
What advice would you give to a young person looking to pursue STEM?
I encourage young individuals not to be confined by their initial perceptions of STEM fields. Explore widely and deeply—there’s so much more beyond what you learn in early courses. The field of engineering is vast, and it’s perfectly okay to take your time to find your niche. Remember, the decisions you make as a freshman aren’t set in stone; you can always pivot as you gain more knowledge and experience.
You enjoy knitting. What is the most rewarding aspect of this hobby for you?
Knitting is a wonderful escape from the rigors of problem-solving and deep analytical thinking. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a project come together stitch by stitch, and then being able to gift the final product. It’s not just about the act of knitting but also about the joy of creation and sharing that creation with others.
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Evan Fleishacker