Q&A With Kait Miller

06 Jun Q&A With Kait Miller

Welcome to the second feature in our series of Q & A’s with Emerge Marketing Solution’s employees and subcontractors! In this blog series, Emerge subcontractors share their stories and why the quality of life in Iowa is better than anywhere else! Our purpose in sharing this series is to inspire others to invest in Iowa, inform others about what it’s like to live and work here, and to show the impact (great or small) you can make as a result of your dedication to community and business in Iowa.

Kait Miller was my first subcontractor to come on board with Emerge. You know, when some people come into your life, you just know they’re going to be a life-long friend and colleague, and that was the case for Kait. She began working as an intern for me when I worked with the Iowa 4-H Foundation back in 2010. We worked together coordinating the annual 4-H Gala among many other fundraising projects. Upon graduation and throughout her early career, Kait and I kept in touch and would keep each other posted on what was happening in our personal and professional lives. Having always wanted to start my own business, I knew from day one that Kait was someone whom I wanted to work with forever!

When it came time to start Emerge, Kait was one of my first calls. She had known that I was considering starting my own business, and she was finishing grad school. It seemed like a perfect fit and perfect timing for her to be able to work a few extra hours beyond her day job to really help get Emerge off the ground.

When you’re a one-person show, it’s hard to keep yourself motivated when you have billing, prospecting, process development, and strategic planning to do. Definitely working a different part of my brain than I’m used to. But with Kait providing support, I knew that no stone would go left unturned. We have enjoyed working together for 3 ½ years now and wouldn’t have it any other way (well maybe besides her working full-time for Emerge!!).

When it comes to her work with Emerge, Kait deals with project management, business operations, and content writing/proofreading. Kait is DEFINITELY my right-hand girl and I don’t know what I would do without her! She keeps me on my toes and makes sure all details of every project are progressing.

Kait currently lives in Altoona, Iowa with her husband Steven and their two dogs, Athena and Atlas. What I LOVE about Kait’s perspective is that she has such a sense of adventure and has traveled all over the world. She’s seen it all, and she still chooses to live right here in Iowa!

EMERGE MARKETING SOLUTIONS: What is your connection to Iowa?
KAIT MILLER: My family moved from Nebraska to Urbandale (a suburb of Des Moines, Iowa) when I was two years old. I graduated from Urbandale High School and went to college at Iowa State University in Ames. After college, I got a job in Des Moines and continued in my educational endeavors locally, receiving my MBA from Drake University. I have lived and worked in the Des Moines metro area ever since.

EMERGE: Why have you chosen to live in Iowa?
KAIT: In all honesty, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. My home has always been in Iowa and all of my family lives here. There are so many things to do and explore while still having more of a small town feel than other cities. The cost of living is unbeatable and the job market in Des Moines is continually growing. The schools are excellent for our future children. Although we love to travel and visit different places across the country and world, Iowa is our home. The quality of life in Iowa is second to none!

EMERGE: If someone asked you your perception of Iowa, what would you say?
KAIT: I think the common misconceptions about Iowa are that it’s all rural farm towns, there is nothing to do, and there are lower quality amenities. I remember once in high school when I was on a mission trip in another area of the country and when I said I was from Iowa, someone asked me if I learned to drive on a tractor; I couldn’t help but laugh. I think that summarizes what others often perceive of Iowa.

EMERGE: What can we work on to attract and retain more families and young people in our state?
KAIT: Iowa has so much to offer families and young people, it’s just a matter of communicating and marketing that so others have a valid perception of what it’s like to live here. Many young people who grow up here and even go to college in Iowa leave after they graduate, looking for more “exciting” places to live. I believe there is a major opportunity to market the amazing quality of life Iowa has to offer to people approaching graduation so they don’t feel they need to leave to find the life they’re looking for.

Iowa has so much to offer families and young people, it’s just a matter of communicating and marketing that so others have a valid perception of what it’s like to live here.

Downtown Des Moines has done substantial work to be marketable and appealing for recent college graduates, adding a great deal of housing, grocery stores, gyms, boutique shopping, etc. West Des Moines has also become a hotspot location for young adults. But showcasing that is crucial for people to truly understand everything they can have and enjoy living in this area.

Personally, I never considered living anywhere else because I can find everything I’m looking for here. My husband and I have flourishing careers, enjoy a low cost of living and housing, have the opportunity to raise our children in a safe environment where the educational system is strong, and live close to our family and friends.

EMERGE: What visions and goals do you have for the future?
KAIT: I can’t wait to eventually have children and raise our family here; to instill in them the same small town values I experienced as part of my own upbringing in Iowa and to enjoy everything our state has to offer for young children. I love the opportunity to work with Emerge and make a difference in revitalizing rural Iowa through the important work we do. I’m so excited for this to continue!

I believe there is a major opportunity to market the amazing qualities Iowa has to offer to people approaching graduation so they don’t feel they need to leave to find the life they’re looking for.

In Closing…
Thank you Kait for sharing your perspective! We hope that others are seeing the same value that you see regarding the quality of life in Iowa and will consider moving here when they, too, are ready to live the best life, raise a family, and be successful in their careers!

Stay tuned for more features with Emerge Marketing subcontractors. We think you’ll be delighted to hear the great things they have to say about Iowa and why they’re proud to be from here. Read another Emerge feature here>>