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Alan: obsessed with quality
November 2, 2009 at 11:26 am
Alan's family
Alan Miller, Engineering Group Manager for engineering development
Office romance: Married to Judy, a GM engineer working on body structures
R&R: Racing sail boats and martial arts
Couch time: Watching Cops and Operation Repo (strictly for entertainment value!)
Tunes: Loves 80’s music
Work is my obsession. I’m lucky to have my wife and kids because they give me a reason to go home at night! I manage sub-system testing of engines and am involved in problem solving at our new state of the art engine testing facility in Pontiac, Mich.
A big part of my job is problem solving. One example is an engine valvetrain lifter issue we had with our Tahoe/Yukon-V8 Hybrid motor before launch. I’m so determined to find a solution that sometimes I’ll take the problem home – where I can work on it with my boys Logan (7) and Gavin (4). Working on this issue I took apart the lifters in my kitchen and did some experiments using my kitchen freezer and was able to discover the root cause using simple non standard methods. It turned out we needed a paradigm shift in the requirements of the lubrication system, for starting hybrid powertrains as compared to starting traditional engines.
I have 10 employees on my team, with some having less than five years of experience. I love being able to help them with problem solving, and teach them root cause analysis and out of the box thinking. I’ve been awarded three patents and one pending during my 24 years at GM. I encourage my team members to go after patents as well, and I’m proud to say my team submitted 24 patent ideas in the last two years. It’s a source of pride for the employee and the patent work improves a process or a part that will make us more efficient or improve our vehicle quality.
Future engineers? My sons Logan and Gavin.
My greatest motivation at work is to beat our competition. It keeps me very focused. I guess I get a lot of that discipline from my Martial Arts training. I’m a black belt and my son is a red belt. I also enjoy racing sailboats. Sailing has taught me that teamwork and preparation are key to being competitive. My wife encourages me to participate in activities outside of work, but we do have many good discussions about GM. We tease each other that it is good that I work on engines and she works on the bodies. Together we make a good GM team.
Up North doing vehicle cold weather testing
Being part of a global company has given me the opportunity to go to places like Arjeplog, Sweden, close to the Arctic Circle to perform cold-weather tests of our high-feature V6 engine, and many other places around the globe. Not only do we have global standardized work in our engine testing procedures, but I also now have friends around the world.
Mel Fox
Nov 2nd, 2009
It’s great to see you on here, Alan! Great video, too!!! I’m always happy to see your cheery face just down the aisle – you make GM a brighter place – keep up the excellent work!!!
Sue Wright
Nov 2nd, 2009
Pure Excellence Al! Very interesting to see the “work side” of you and become aware of all of your accomplishments at GM. I know you’re a great Dad, and now I see why you are also a great GM employee. Very impressive Martial Arts moves from you and the boys…you are an AWESOME family! Keep up the good work!
Judy Miller
Nov 2nd, 2009
Alan I am so proud. I am also glad that others will be able to see your passion with producing the best products for our customers. GM is lucky to have you on the team.
Judy Miller (wife and fellow GM employee)
Ann
Nov 2nd, 2009
Hi Al-great stuff. I am so happy to see you out there representing us at GM!
And…should we also tell them what a great Elder you are at our church!
Ann
Sue & Bill Nebe
Nov 2nd, 2009
a great story~it is so nice to see these stories of great employees~~nice job Alan. Keep up the good work.
Robert Brass
Nov 2nd, 2009
Hey Alan, I’m an old friend of Judy’s and I haven’t see you in over 20 years I’d say. I got the link and thought I would check it out. Way cool! Congratulations on this awesome recognition. I am impressed with the passion you have for engineering and more importantly as a mentor for young engineers. It is evident that you create a space for all your team members to learn, grow and thrive. That speaks volumes to the type of man you are. I can see this as one of the reasons Judy fell for you. And though you have all those patents, that’s nothing compared to having your own U Tube video!
Kristen Fett
Nov 2nd, 2009
Great accomplishments!! GM should be very happy to have you on their team.
Vicky W
Nov 2nd, 2009
Congrats Alan. Good article and great pictures of the boys and you and Judy, too. Know that she is really proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Tina Horton
Nov 2nd, 2009
Alan, what a great article and tribute to unique a talent that you are. GM and the public are very privileged to have you working on such an important component of the vehicle. I’m proud to know you!
Chuck Cory
Nov 3rd, 2009
You did a great job documenting what drives you at work and how it all translates into a better product for the customer. Keep up the great work!
Janet (Schwan's)
Nov 3rd, 2009
Alan,
Great job, keep it up!!
Your boys are getting so big,
Sounds like you, Judy and the boys are
still busy alot.
I miss seeing you guys.
P.S. Great job Judy !!!
Karen Ludden
Nov 3rd, 2009
What a great promo on you and your family! You are definately a problem solver, and GM is lucky to have you. You are also an excellent leader, and there aren’t enough of those in the world.
Bill Betts
Nov 3rd, 2009
Alan,
I really enjoyed learning about the work you do and how determined you are to beating the competition. This company will be successful if all employees dedicate themselves to excellence the way you do. Thanks for being an inspirational leader.
Bill Betts – Communications team at the Ren Cen
Fabienne Zielinski
Nov 3rd, 2009
Great job Alan! Nice to see someone out there who’s passion for their job goes above and beyond the call of duty. It’s because of people like you that GM continues to make good products. Keep up the good work. – Fabienne at GM
Donna Drew
Nov 3rd, 2009
Thanks for sharing with us….we are so happy you are a part of GM…..
Janice Nahtygal
Nov 3rd, 2009
This was a great read and review!! I had no idea how much you accomplished and all the responsibilities. I always knew you loved your work , I didn’t know the different levels to it. Do you know how many people search for years for the right job??
Keep enjoying and thriving!!!
Michael Pedrie
Nov 3rd, 2009
Great Job Alan, I learned something new today about the testing that is done to insure we produce the best product that we can. -Michael at GM
Gloria W.
Nov 3rd, 2009
Hey Alan,
Looking good! Congratulations on being selected for this honor. It’s fun to get to know a little about the “work side” of you and to read all the complimentary comments that folks have written. Keep up the good work.
Pat McGlynn
Nov 3rd, 2009
Congratulations! Alan,
I have no idea what you are talking about when it comes to engine parts (engine valvetrain lifter) but I’m glad someone is working on them. I’m impressed at your resourcefulness. I learned a lot about you from this article, great job.
Jeanne Polan
Nov 3rd, 2009
Wonderful video showcasing your personal passion for GM products. Keep up the good work!
You have a beautiful family – the boys are just adorable – passion for engineering is in the genes!
Syed Azharuddin
Nov 4th, 2009
Cheers to the Miller Family. We need more mentors like Alan who has an amazing passion for his work, family and life. Great example of work/life balance. ~Syed @GM
Bill Van Luven
Nov 4th, 2009
Hi Alan:
As your father-in-law I don’t see any suprises. I’ve followed your passion for the job, your feeling of responsibility for the customer and the love and dedication to your family.
Your boys, if I do say so myself, are super (I might be slightly biased).
We have been proud of you for years and I know that your dad has been following your progress as a dedicated engineer, father and husband. He’s most likely extreemly proud of you and is following your progress from above.
God Bless you and your family
Love
Papa
Cindy Weeks
Nov 4th, 2009
Inspiring profile, Alan and Judy! You have achieved work-life-family balance without sacrificing commitment, enthusiasm, passion and quality results for whatever task is at hand. Such a tricky juggling act….and so nice to see how you are keeping it all in play.
Cindy Weeks
First Presbyterian and HP (GM Partner)
Jerry Lohmeyer
Nov 4th, 2009
Alan has crewed on my Express 27 sailboat for 20 years. What you see in the video is pretty much what you get with Al – hardworking, loyal, & honest!
Elise McGlynn
Nov 5th, 2009
You’re the man!! What a wonderful write up. You must be very, very good. I am not surprised. Congratulations.
Elise McGlynn
Nov 5th, 2009
Way to go!! What an accomplishment! I am not surprised. I am very proud of you.
Judy Miller
Nov 12th, 2009
Thank you to all the friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family for your comments. Alan and I are so pleased to share this story with you and share what Alan does at GM.
We are also so glad that for many this provided an insight to GM and the work done to provide you with top quality products that we are so proud of. Thank you for your posted comments and for your e-mails directly to Alan and I.
And don’t forget to come bace to facesofgm.com again and learn about other GM employees and their work here.
Judy (GM employee and proud wife and mom to the people in this story)
Frank Siebert
Nov 20th, 2009
Great job Al. It has always been a pleasure working with you and always interesting to see what kind of outfit you would come up with during those cold testing days in Kapuskasing. Will always appreciate the help and respect that you provided me on some difficult noise issues at our test site. Beautiful family!
Rob Till
Nov 30th, 2009
Hey Alan, what a great article. It’s been many years since we worked together on the HFV6 program crankcase ventilation system and since then you have become an Engineering Manager at GMPT and had two children…..two of the biggest time-eaters. Glad to hear you have ‘home time’ too. Very glad to be working with you again (albeit in a different location, different company and different field). Take good care and good luck with your future at GM, not that you need it
Cheers
Carole Kubitskey
Nov 30th, 2009
Quite simply Al, you are incredible. As your neighbor, I see you doing goofy things to your car at midnight, at 5 am, or whenever. But, I know that those are some of the things that make you so great. You are incredibly passionate about your work, and sincerely dedicated to GM. If GM had more “Alan Miller’s”, well let’s just say that they’d be in a heck of a lot better shape right now! And, it’s extra special knowing how much Judy & the boys support you.
Santa Claus
Dec 7th, 2009
Logan and Gavin Miller, It was great to see you at Trim Pines Farm today. Now I see what you are so proud of about your Dad!!!!
We are a GM family here too!!! And we are proud to count your family as a fan of our farm. We hope to continue our friendship a long time.
Please have a Merry Christmas, enjoy your Christmas tree, and keep those holiday memories alive.
Alan, please keep up the good work with the GM team that keeps our community strong.
Santa.
Naresh D.
Dec 30th, 2009
Hi alan,
Its great that you think about GM so deeply. Now you are with your family..not only family GM family. Your team will be proud of you that you have such coperative nature and decision making attitude.
Kyle Kubitskey
Jan 25th, 2010
Wait….What’s the big deal?
Just Kidding! Pretty cool!!!! We are so lucky to have such great neighbors!!!
Trevor Kubitskey
Feb 18th, 2010
Very nice Al. Keep up the good work. I’m glad that we have you as a neighbor.
Taylor Van Luven
Feb 26th, 2010
I’m very proud to have you as an uncle. You are truly someone to look up to.
Oh and thanks for providing me with such cool cousins! =P
Love you!
(btw, Judy did not pay me to say any of this)
Gerald Witkowski
Feb 27th, 2010
GM is fortunate to have an engineer of your caliber and dedication on its team. It is refreshing to know someone who takes such pride in their work and obviously leads, by example.
ROBERT
Mar 8th, 2010
WHAT A NICE PROFILE ON A REALLY PRO GM GUY. FROM ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT DUNCAN DONUTS.
Alan S. Miller
Feb 1st, 2011
Thanks for everyone’s support!
Judy Miller
Feb 1st, 2011
I just wanted to update anyone who reads Alan’s article here at Faces Of GM.
Alan is still working hard at producing the Worlds Best engines for the Worlds Best Cars and Trucks.
Logan tested for his Blackbelt in December and is now a Blackbelt just like dad. Gavin is now a tan belt and mom (me) also got into the Martial Arts as well.
We really enjoy the Faces of GM stories because we get to learn so much about others in GM and other great stories all relating to GM
Have a wonderful day,
Judy
Logan
Apr 12th, 2011
Dad,
It was so fun doing this story with you. Gavin and I are so proud of you. We love doing experiments with you and learning all about engines.
Love,
Logan
Cathy
Aug 23rd, 2011
You sound busy”-”
Ken B.
Oct 13th, 2011
Hey Al. Great job over all of the years at GM. You are truly an outstanding engineer and leader. I’m glad to see that GM has people like you to help guide the company into the future. Keep up the great work!
Stan Mathews
Oct 14th, 2011
Good to see you are keeping busy, great picture of a great family !!!!