The next step up the ladder occurred in May 1990 when Julie was promoted again, this time to Operations Manager over 13 stores and their managers. Julie said, “There were 11 stores in Hattiesburg, one in Richton and another in Wiggins. Travel was limited except for company meetings that would take place in different places. At this point it really hit me that I was in an industry with a very bright future. Everyone at JFM treated me so well. I learned that hard work pays off. Yes, you earn more money. And you also earn the respect of your bosses, your coworkers, and your peers in the industry … from competitors to vendors. I was learning something new every single day. I was on my way.”
In spring 1997, Julie was promoted to Regional Operations Manager in the JFM South Region, with responsibilities for 35 stores throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and northwest Florida. “Lots of travel but I liked it,” said Julie. “There were times I would visit a location and a dozen things needed attention. Everything from a human resources issue to dealing with a local vendor who was not providing the service we expected. Then you go to another store and it’s one simple item that needs attention. Everyday was different and interesting.”
With her professional life moving along at a rapid pace, Julie still found time for socializing beyond the JFM universe. She explained, “I was living in an apartment in Petal. I had just bought a new car and drove home after playing in a softball tournament. When I was getting out of the shower, I heard a noise outside near my car. I was dressed but my hair was wrapped in a towel. It was the sound of a car door closing, and I was worried it was my vehicle. When I opened the door to look, I saw a handsome young man standing next to his sports car, speaking to an older woman. I said “Hey,” and went on about my business. The next day I learned that he was speaking to his grandmother, who owned the four apartments. I had been living there for six months and had never seen this guy before.”
The young man, visits to grandma increased. No wonder why,. Julie and firefighter Tracy finally met during the summer of 1988. Julie said, “Our initial date was a Petal High School football game. The next date we went to see Die Hard, the first one.” The couple got engaged in November 1989, tying the knot the following April. Daughter, Marlee Miller, was born in March 1992. Son, Josh, followed in March 1994. Tracy is retired from the Hattiesburg Fire Department and is Vice President of Redline Safety. Marlee is a deputy tax collector for Forrest County. Her husband, Connor, is a United States Marine currently deployed in Japan. When he is home, Connor is a deputy sheriff for Pearl River County. Their daughter, Lottie, will be two years old soon, and they are expecting a boy in December. Josh is the warehouse manager for Southern Beverage in Hattiesburg. Ladies, he, single.
In 2003 Julie became Vice President of Operations, then in 2014 she assumed her new position as Vice President of Stores and Marketing. “I’ve had some great mentors, men and women,” said Julie. “Some of them taught me things I should never do. That’s vital. I have been a sponge for their knowledge and experiences and am so grateful for their help. I know that there are more men executives in our industry, but I think many people would be pleasantly surprised to learn how many women are now at the top. I never felt different because I am a woman. Truly blessed.”