Project Management
JIM MILLER
Director of Project Management
email Jim | LinkedIn
Accomplishments
I have been married for over 30 years and have three adult children, two daughters and a son. I recently hiked to the top of Mt. Sherman in Colorado, 14,043 feet. My first and last 14er. 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 also volunteer for Boy Scouts of America and have been an Assistant Scoutmaster for 12+ years and Scoutmaster for three years.
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
email Brian | LinkedIn
Accomplishments
I’ve been with Mid-States for over 26 years, including 14 in Field Service and 12 in Project Management.
Off the Clock
I coach my sons’ sports teams, golf… a lot, and really enjoy beating up on Ian and Brad on the golf course.
JEREMY BLASCOE
Project Manager
email Jeremy
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
email Allen
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.
ANDY HAEGER
Project Manager
email Andy
Accomplishments
I am blessed to be married to my wife of 13 years and enjoy raising our young family. I completed my Eagle Scout as a freshman in high school and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from UW–Stout. I truly enjoy my life with my family and all that comes with everyday events.
Off the Clock
I enjoy hunting, fishing, traveling, gardening, keeping up with my kids’ events, and working on home projects. I’m also a fan of good food and drink. Huge fan of the only true sport (and number one in the world): soccer. Go Man U!
EVAN SAUNDERS
Project Manager
email Evan | LinkedIn
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
Accomplishments
I’ve worked in aviation, oil field, nuclear medicine, and now all things Mid-States. It’s fun hopping on an airplane looking out over the wing knowing all the components and how much work goes into each assembly. It’s nice to know that all of the struggles an entire global team struggled through to successfully get the Boeing 787 off the ground paid off in the end. That month-long struggle to understand how to optimize and sequence efficiencies, although not structurally imperative, it was the part I played to bring success to the overall mission.
Off the Clock
Off the clock, I am a husband, a father, stepdad, brother, and son. My children and my wife are my primary reason for existing. When I am not dating my wife, you can find me putting checkmarks on the honey-do list. Other times, you can find me out at Go-Kart tracks wrenching on my son’s race kart, out at the airport trying to catch a free ride with my kid who wants to be a pilot. Or - you might find me hanging out in DeKalb with my daughter who’s finishing school and preparing for a wedding. Also, you may see me geeking out with my oldest son with all things that make him remarkable. You may also see me enjoying a Rockford Raptors soccer game. In the winter, you can find me at a Rockford Icehogs game.
Secret Life
I do have a secret life where I still try to tap into my thrill-seeking inner child. It wasn’t until I went scuba diving with sharks that I realized I am claustrophobic. These days, people would also be surprised to see me out skydiving or bungee jumping to escape my other newfound fear of heights.