Andrew Petrozzi

Being the only woman in the room never dissuaded N.J. (Dee) Miller from rising to the top of her profession in B.C.’s male-dominated contracting and road construction industry.

As vice-president of finance, administration and human resources of family-owned JJM Group, Miller’s top-down view of the industry has provided opportunities and insight for women seeking inroads in that arena.

Miller’s work and dedication towards addressing the gender gap in the construction industry has been furthered by her long-time involvement as an executive and board member of the B.C. Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association and the Construction Safety Network.

In 2000, Miller became the first female chair in the association’s history and remains as a director. She is also vice-chair of the Canadian Construction Association’s export committee. She has also been asked to participate on the CCA’s HR and marketing and promotions committees.

“In the construction industry, women account for about 13% of the workforce, up from about 7% in a decade,” she told local media in the summer of 2005. “I still don’t see a lot of women out there. And women operating [heavy machinery] at a construction site is maybe one in 50. We have a long way to go to balance that.”

The message that women have a greater role to play in helping avoid a provincial shortage of construction workers is one Miller has championed for years.

“We need women to consider us [construction industry] as a career opportunity, because demographically we need to expand our appeal,” she said.

Despite annual sales of approximately $50 million, soaring construction spending in the province and a tight labour market, JJM is not Miller’s only professional responsibility. She is also president of family owned and operated FAST First Aid & Survival Technologies Ltd., the largest manufacturer and wholesaler of emergency preparedness products in Canada, that she established in 1988 with Janice Turnbull.

Her business acumen was recognized in 1994 when she was named Canadian Airlines’ Entrepreneur of the Year, and remains relevant through her involvement as an advisory board member of the Business Families Centre at the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.

From her successful battle with cancer to philanthropic activities that included mobilizing employees to help assemble 50,000 hygiene kits and 60,000 infant care kits for the Canadian Red Cross to assist victims of Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, her dedication and enthusiasm have made her an inspiration and mentor for employees and industry peers alike.

“As a professional woman, I saw in Dee the best example of drive, innovation and grace,” said Tammy Oliver, program director for the Construction Safety Network.

“She showed me that construction wasn’t so much a man’s world but a world where competence and dedication are recognized regardless of gender.”

What professional achievements are you most proud of?

As chair of the safety committee for the BC Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association, I championed an industry safety initiative that would effectively change how the B.C. construction industry manages workplace health and safety.

What is the greatest career barrier you’ve overcome?

Overcoming resistance to the above safety initiative.

Biggest influence in your career

Husband John Miller, president of JJM Construction Ltd.

What network or organization has helped you most?

B.C. Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association and Canadian Construction Association.

What was your toughest decision?

Making the commitment to leave day to day operations of F.A.S.T. First Aid and Survival Technologies Ltd. and move to support the management team in our family construction company JJM Construction Ltd.

What book are you reading?

How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time – Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz. French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. Leadership by Rudolph W. Giuliani.

What is your favourite movie?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s.