People You Should Know: Bridgid Magee Miller
Owner, August Systems
AGE: 33
JOB DESCRIPTION: Director of sales and marketing, long-term planning, electronic system designer. I handle all day-to-day management, including accounting, project scheduling, and pretty much anything else that needs to be done each day! As a small business owner, I’m prepared for the fact that every day brings something exciting.
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 16
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: St. Louis
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Missouri
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Ambassadors, social chair for Rotary South, secretary for the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House, member of the SCORE Against Hunger Committee, president of House Corporation Board and chair of the Chapter Advisory Board for Kappa Delta Sorority, member of Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have been doing home electronic sales and design work the past 11 years. Prior to that, I was a manager at Boone Tavern. That experience was vital in learning how to run a business and manage multiple tasks, while keeping cool under pressure.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE: Two people whom I admire are Teresa Maledy and Dave Machens. I believe that both show a great passion for what they do, have immense integrity and recognize the importance of giving back to their community. I’m also inspired by Peggy Kirkpatrick. The drive and passion she has for the children in Central Missouri and the work she does to ensure that they have food every day is nothing short of miraculous.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: When people are building or remodeling their homes, you become part of a very exciting and personal process. Every home electronic system we design is customized for each project and is based upon the client’s day-to-day life, as well as the aesthetics in their home. I love the amazed look on clients’ faces the first time they use their theater, home music system or lighting system. It is also so much fun to be part of such a fantastic industry that constantly changes.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING: I would love to be a lounge club singer or work in a dueling piano bar. It would be great to put those years of piano lessons to good use!
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: People are often afraid or intimidated by technology. It can be difficult to help them get over their fears and see that home technology should be fun and simple to use and can help beautify their home.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: For work, every project is so different, and I really enjoy them all. Outside of work, I was recently involved in the Ronald McDonald House golf tournament May 5, and that was truly a great time. It is always a fun event out at Eagle Knoll, but this year with the beautiful weather and our Cinco de Mayo twist, it had a different flair to it.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: What we do isn’t just about gear or electronics. It is about creating environments for entertaining and spending time with family.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I love to get together with friends and family, enjoy good food, drinks and conversation. I love playing board games or trivia. I’m also a huge Missouri Tigers fan. I can’t think of a better way to spend the day, though, than at Busch Stadium watching the Cards.
FAMILY: I’m constantly amused by my 3 ½-year-old daughter, Helen. She’s about the spunkiest girl on the planet. She also has a vast knowledge of electronics already!
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: My backyard patio. I love to have friends over, sit outside and watch our kids run around in the yard on warm summer days.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: In October, I ran the half marathon here in Columbia the day after the MU-Nebraska football game. I was proud to not only run it, but I enjoyed the greetings from people who were still in their RVs at 8 a.m. after that game.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT: I make a mean margarita. I never make it the same way twice, but each time it’s a hit! When I left Boone Tavern, the recipe was highly sought by the bartenders who were still there.ϖ