Celebrating his Retirement and Contributions to Bexel Global

February 26, 2016 - Burbank, CA - Steve Mills’ career ironically did not start in the broadcast industry. In fact, his career began in service management with Chrysler Corporation, 45 years ago in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.Mills dutifully worked for Chrysler, starting as a Service Advisor, and eventually working his way up to Automotive Service Manager. During his tenure, he was one of the first 50 recipients in the U.S. to earn the Diamond Level Certification, Chrysler’s highest level of recognition that awarded him a trip to Chrysler’s headquarters in Detroit, MI to meet with the CEO. But after 35 years with Chrysler, he had a change of heart.Mills embarked on a career change that took him from a field he was good at, to a field that he loved to do. As fate would have it, his son-in-law is the Director of Technical Services, Bexel ESS. Justin Paulk contacted Mills about a 2-week opportunity to assist the fiber team, and Mills hasn’t left since. In 2006, Mills found his calling with Bexel ESS, a business segment of Bexel Global Broadcast Solutions, as a Fiber Trainee out of the Dallas hub. Now as a Production Coordinator, Mills uses his versatility and collaborative spirit to solve technical challenges onsite and deliver fiber solutions to our clients.As we celebrate Mills’ well-deserved retirement, we take a look at some personal insights from him, and get to learn about the life of a husband of 42 years, father of 3, and grandfather of 10.

Steve and his wife with their (9 out of 10) grandkidsWhat was one of your career aspirations growing up?My dad was in car business, but I wanted to be an attorney. I went to the University of Texas at Arlington and received a 3-year certificate in pre-law.What piece of advice did you receive that really resonated with you?Growing up in the car business, my mentor taught me to lead by example, and I saw how important that was and wanted to do the same.What is your proudest moment?As a father, seeing my 2 daughters, and 1 son strive for success in their lives, and seeing them make it.What is one of your fondest memories while working at Bexel?Bexel ESS always takes on challenging projects that require extra output from all of the team. When we make it all come together, even under pressure, it always makes me smile when it’s done.What is one of your greatest accomplishments at Bexel?

I was on the team that custom designed and built the 72-stand cables that we still use today. It allows us to run 72 stands of fiber through a single cable, making it much easier and more efficient to work with, and it’s mobile so it can go from project to project. To date, we are the only providers in the world with this fiber solution, and it was a great pleasure to be a part of.Steve helped to create the 72 cable bundle we still use today!With your retirement nearing, what are you looking forward to?Spending more quality time with my wife and grandchildren! I would love to take the family on a Disney vacation, or even go on more local fishing trips. I have 10 grandchildren ranging in ages between 6 and 24 years old, so I will be enjoying every minute I can with my family. It does not get any better than that.Any parting words to share with your colleagues?

Your life and your work goes by very fast… enjoy every minute of it! Bexel and its people have been great to me for the last 10 years. I appreciate the skills Bexel has taught me, but most importantly the genuine camaraderie and friendships I have gained while at Bexel.Congratulations on you retirement, Steve! We appreciate your contributions to Bexel Global. We wish you all the best as you begin a new chapter in your life![sc name="news-footer"]