We have an amazing group of staff members at SIMPCO and we want to make sure you all get to know them! Say “Hello” to September’s Staff Spotlight, Curt Miller. Curt serves as the Facilities Director for SIMPCO and the Transit Director for Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS).
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My parents and grandparents inspire me because they lived in much more difficult times, through wars and depression, they worked hard and succeeded in providing opportunities for their families to obtain education and jobs. They appreciated the opportunities that the United States offered that weren’t available to their ancestors and made a lot of sacrifices to make sure their families were taken care of.
Q: Where’s your favorite place in the world?
A: I really enjoyed Alaska and Prince William Sound. The scenery and wildlife were outstanding. That being said, I like Alaska in the summer, Florida is much better in the winter.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I have always been passionate about my family and my work. Keeping them both in balance and enjoying as much time as possible with my wife and kids has always been my goal.
Q: What projects are you working on right now?
A: The biggest project with the most impact is applying for a Federal grant to build a new facility for SRTS and SIMPCO. While the grant is highly competitive and a “long shot” at best, it seems like there is a great opportunity currently to be awarded funds. The new facility would pave the way for SRTS and SIMPCO to continue to grow and to have modern efficient facilities to support their operations in the future.
Q: What do you like best about working for SIMPCO / SRTS?
A: I like the variety of different operations supported by SIMPCO and how we can support a large number of counties and cities in the region. I also like knowing that SRTS is helping people throughout the region to access jobs, services, and activities. Most of our clients rely on our service to be able to stay in their homes and continue to live normal lives.
Q: Motto or Personal Mantra?
A: Life is too short, don’t sweat the small things and appreciate every day.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I am proud of my two sons. They are both succeeding in life and enjoying themselves. They live in Chicago and Dallas, so when we get together it is always a great time. It is fun to watch them mature and learn some of the same life lessons we had to when we were young.
Q: What is your favorite pastime/hobby?
A: For anyone that knows me it’s obvious that sailing has become one of my favorite activities, although I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like. Thanks to friends that helped us get the opportunities to learn and eventually sail on our own. My wife and I love sailing along the East Coast and through the Florida Keys. We are still thinking we will try to do the “Great Loop” through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, through the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida and up the East Coast back to the Great Lakes. In between sailing trips, golf is probably my second favorite past time.
Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?
A: I’m an introvert disguised as an extrovert.
Thank you to Curt Miller for sharing with us! SIMPCO members are encouraged to reach out to Curt for any transit questions. Curt@simpco.org.