Nate Miller started working at First Quality more than 25 years ago, stacking boxes. But he wasn’t stacking boxes for long—within a couple of years, he was promoted to team leader.
“I started working at First Quality shortly after my high school graduation because I saw opportunities,” said Nate. “I started asking questions and raising my hand for new opportunities, and I never stopped.”
After working as a team leader, Nate became a group leader, then production supervisor, and then joined the planning team because he wanted to play a bigger role in the company.
Today, as senior materials manager, Nate oversees inventory management at four manufacturing facilities across Pennsylvania and Georgia. Him team schedules all the production details for making everyday essentials like baby diapers, bladder control pads and personal wipes—and there are many details.
“Most people don’t realize how high-tech this industry is, or how many components it takes to manufacture our goods,” said Nate. “Every time we change a production line to make a different item, we have to coordinate with numerous teams to get the most from our output and efficiency to ensure we meet our customers’ needs.”
“Ever-changing puzzles to solve”
Nate describes the work he and his team do as dynamic and fast moving, with ever-changing puzzles to solve. When challenges come up—like a supply shortage, a last-minute customer request or a new product development need—Nate and his team coordinate various moving parts and makes quick decisions to keep production up and running.
Looking ahead, Nate’s focused on developing his team and helping them find their own unique career paths at First Quality.
“I’m a people person, and nothing is better than helping my team succeed,” he said. “I’m a big fan of mentoring and developing others. There are really good people at First Quality, and it’s great to see their impact.”
One of those really great people Nate met at work is his wife, who is a raw material quality engineer II at First Quality. However, there’s no work talk at home; there they focus on their three kids.
As he reflects on his journey at First Quality, Nate’s advice to anyone thinking about joining or going after the next opportunity is simple: Go for it.
“Attitude is the most important,” he said. “Skills can be taught. My advice to others is work hard, and let people know you are interested in a new role or learning a different aspect of the business. I’m 25 years in and still learning new things every day.”
