The Machinist and the Mayor

The Machinist and the Mayor: How My Father’s Legacy Guides My Career

By Nathaniel Miller Sr.

My father, Glenn Miller, carried two distinct titles in his life: the machinist and the mayor. At first glance, these roles might seem disconnected—one grounded in precision craftsmanship, the other in community leadership. However, both were built on a foundation of service, integrity, and hard work. These principles shaped not only his life but also the way I approach my own career in Safety, Security, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and Sustainability.

The Machinist: Crafting with Precision and Pride

My father’s career as a machinist began in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aviation structure mechanic. It was during this time that he mastered the importance of precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail. His job was to ensure aircraft were not only functional but safe—able to carry others to their destinations without fail.

Even after leaving the military, my father’s identity as a craftsman remained central. One of his most prized tools was his Starrett micrometer, which he fondly called “the final word.” This wasn’t just a tool to him; it was a symbol of precision, a standard of perfection he always held himself to. The micrometer represented the idea that in life—and in work—there’s no room for guesswork or approximations. He believed that only through accuracy and exactness could true excellence be achieved.

He would often say, “Every job you do is a reflection of who you are,” and I carry this mindset into my work every day. Whether it’s planning a safety strategy, executing a business continuity plan, or implementing sustainability initiatives, I approach each challenge with the same meticulous care that my father brought to his workbench. In my career, this precision manifests in how I lead my teams, ensuring that every decision and action is intentional and aligned with the bigger picture of protecting people, assets, and the environment.

The Mayor: Leading with Vision and Empathy

If the machinist worked with tools and materials, the mayor worked with people and ideas. My father’s transition from being a craftsman to a community leader seemed natural, as both roles required the same underlying values. Just as he meticulously built machines, he carefully nurtured relationships and progress in our town.

As mayor, he viewed leadership not as a position of power but as a service. He would often say, “Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.” His leadership style was grounded in empathy, transparency, and vision. Whether mediating disputes, organizing resources, or planning for the future, he was always mindful of the people depending on him.

Watching my father lead taught me that success in leadership comes from building trust and fostering collaboration. These lessons have deeply influenced how I guide my teams today. In my role overseeing safety, security, BCP, and sustainability, I understand that leadership is about serving others—empowering my team to succeed, fostering a culture of safety and accountability, and always looking ahead to anticipate challenges before they arise.

A Matrix of Key Attributes: The Machinist, The Mayor, and Me as a Leader

How the Machinist and the Mayor Shaped Me as a Leader

The connection between my father’s two roles—machinist and mayor—has profoundly shaped how I lead today. As a machinist, my father mastered the art of precision and preparation, ensuring every detail was accounted for. As a mayor, he learned how to apply that same discipline to people and processes, understanding that every individual and decision had a role in the broader success of the community.

As the leader of teams in safety, security, business continuity, and sustainability, I find myself drawing from both aspects of my father’s life. Like the machinist, I focus on the details, knowing that a well-prepared team and a well-executed plan can make all the difference in protecting lives and assets. And like the mayor, I understand that leadership is about seeing the bigger picture, building trust, and ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered.

How It Shapes My Approach to Business

Growing up as the son of both a machinist and a mayor taught me that success in business and leadership isn’t confined to any one area. My father’s ability to transition seamlessly between roles showed me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and bringing the same integrity to every challenge, regardless of the task at hand.

In my career, I apply these lessons in the fields of safety, security, BCP, and sustainability. The precision I learned from my father’s work as a machinist helps me approach complex problems with clarity and purpose, while his leadership as mayor inspires me to lead with empathy and vision. Whether we are implementing a new safety protocol, preparing for an emergency, or designing sustainable business practices, I strive to build processes and systems that are both reliable and forward-thinking.

A Legacy of Service and Excellence

My father’s legacy continues to guide me as I work to leave my own mark. His story, as both the machinist and the mayor, is a powerful reminder that no matter the role we play, our commitment to service, precision, and integrity can make a lasting impact. Today, I carry forward his lessons, striving to be a leader who builds something meaningful—not only through my hands but through the people and systems I lead.

Whether in the workshop, the mayor’s office, or in a meeting the principles of craftsmanship, leadership, and service remain the same.

As I continue my journey in safety, security, BCP, and sustainability, I am proud to carry my father’s legacy forward, one carefully crafted decision at a time.

#SafetyNate #Leadership #BusinessLeadership #LeadersOfTomorrow #VisionaryLeadership #LeadershipMatters #ServantLeadership #BusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurMindset #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyLeadership #SecurityManagement #RiskManagement #SafetyCulture #BusinessContinuity #CrisisManagements: #Sustainability #SustainableLeadership #GreenBusiness #CorporateResponsibility #SustainabilityMatters #FutureOfBusiness #EcoFriendly #EnvironmentalLeadership #FamilyLegacy #LegacyOfService #PersonalGrowth #LeadByExample #InspiringGenerations #Mentorship #MotivationMonday #TransformationTuesday #WednesdayWisdom #ThrowbackThursday #FridayFeeling #Inspiration #ThoughtLeadership