Project Management
JIM MILLER
Director of Project Management
Accomplishments
I have been married for over 35 years and have three adult children, two daughters, a son, and one son-in-law. I recently hiked to the top of Mt. Sherman in Colorado, 14,043 feet. Thinking about doing another 14er in 2027. Getting to work on three Major League Baseball stadiums and one NFL stadium has been a highlight of my 36-year career.
Extracurricular
I volunteer at my church as a camera man. I recently retired as a volunteer for Boy Scouts of America. I was an Assistant Scoutmaster for 12+ years and Scoutmaster for three years. I still help out when needed.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hunting, golfing, and spending time with family and friends. I love live music in the summer at outdoor festivals with my wife.
Secret Life
I was an extra in the movie Major League.
BRIAN BLUM
Senior Project Manager
Accomplishments
I’ve been with Mid-States for over 27 years, including 14 in Field Service and 13 in Project Management.
JEREMY BLASCOE
Project Manager
Accomplishments
I’ve worked on a wide variety of jobs during my time with Mid-States. I started out in beams and columns, then spent five years on the road crew before moving into the Project Management team. My journey is a great example of how, if you work hard and stay committed, there’s real opportunity to grow here at Mid-States.
Extracurricular
I coach travel baseball for the Midwest Future Prospects organization and have a deep passion for the game. I love sharing that passion with the younger generation.
Off the Clock
I’m a hitting instructor and spend countless hours working with athletes between the ages of 8 and 18, teaching the swing as I’ve come to know and understand it over the years. Helping young players develop their skills and confidence at the plate is something I truly enjoy. Outside of baseball, I’ve had a lifelong passion for music. I’ve been playing guitar since I was a kid, and it continues to be a creative and therapeutic outlet for me. Music has helped me navigate many moments in life, and it's a big part of who I am.
Secret Life
I am one of eight kids. I have five brothers and two sisters and was raised in Arkansas.
ALLEN COTA
Project Manager
Accomplishments
With over 20 years of experience in the tower industry, I’ve dedicated the last decade to serving as a Senior Safety Advisor. My primary focus is on ensuring safety and quality across all projects, approaching each task with care and precision.
Off the Clock
I’m passionate about spending time with my family and friends and expanding my car collection. I’m also committed to philanthropic efforts, always looking for ways to give back to those in need. My beloved bulldog, Trump, keeps me company and brings joy to my days. I’m known for my lighthearted approach to life. I’m a big fan of dad jokes and often find humor in everyday moments, like watching kids stumble as they learn to walk. I believe that a blend of expertise, kindness, and humor makes for a fulfilling life and successful career.
EVAN SAUNDERS
Project Manager
Accomplishments
I’ve been part of the Mid-States team for nine years, working on a wide variety of different and challenging precast projects.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hunting, fishing, golfing, and just about anything outdoors.
Secret Life
My mom was a childhood friend of Steve Stricker.
RICHARD STEVENS
Project Manager
Extracurricular
Outside of my professional career, I am actively involved with Badger Kart Club, where I serve as a board member, crew chief, driver coach, and race strategist. Karting has become more than a hobby for our family. It is a passion that combines competition, teamwork, mentorship, and continuous improvement.
On weekends, I help my wife operate our family business, SignGypsies815, while continuing to pursue new entrepreneurial opportunities. I also enjoy spending time with my daughter, who recently graduated from college, and supporting my oldest son as he prepares to enter the Navy’s nuclear program.
Off the Clock
Favorite hobbies—all things traveling! Love it, where are we going? Is there a cool place to eat when we get there?
Secret Life
As I approached the counter to buy a lotto ticket, my cousin walked in the convenience store and yelled a quick hello. In an effort not to be rude, I let the lady behind me cut in front of me while my cousin and I talked about my excitement to buy a lottery ticket. She said maybe she would try her luck at hand, bought a ticket, and later won $30 million two days later. I still tell myself that good karma is playing the long game.
CAMDEN COMBS
Assistant Project Manager
Accomplishments
Have been around Mid-States for several years, working summers and school breaks in production. Grateful for the opportunity to gain experience across different areas of the company before joining the project management team full-time.
Competed in NCAA Division II Track & Field at Minnesota State University, Mankato in the long jump and triple jump and was a conference medalist in both events.
Extracurricular
Competed in Project Precast 2026 at the PCI Convention in Kansas City.
Off the Clock
I enjoy working on the house, getting the lawn looking good, and relaxing in the recliner with a beer… in that order.
Secret Life
My great-grandfather Carl Nickols and great-great-uncle Vito Bertoldo both received the Medal of Honor during World War II. Vito also has an episode dedicated to him in the Netflix series Medal of Honor. Their stories of bravery, perseverance, and toughness inspire me to work harder and complain less.
KELIE STREULY
Project Coordinator
Accomplishments
I achieved my CADD Associate’s degree at ECPI University in Virginia Beach in 8 months with one-year-old twins!
Extracurricular
My family and I love going to farmer’s markets, participating in community events, and spending time with our extended family.
Off the Clock
Off the clock, I spend my time being a mom to identical twin girls and an active-duty Navy wife. Together, we love traveling to see family or experience something new and going on trail walks with our Great Pyrenees puppy.
Secret Life
I am a certified dog trainer. I have been to over 100 concerts. I love to cook and am pretty good at it, but I suck at baking and will burn cookies every time.