Julie Miles

Julie Miles, a senior director with more than 25 years of experience, has a wealth of knowledge in the corporate world. She has, in fact, spent the better part of her life honing her leadership and business entrepreneur talents, even though she is only 56 years old. She has collaborated with some of the best businesses and brands in the world throughout the years. In her senior administration career, she has, for example, worked with Fortune 100 firms at IBM, Philip Morris, Nascar, and while serving as a consultant for Time Warner Cable Business Class.

With BidWizer, Julie is currently pursuing her entrepreneurial career. Julie serves as a crucial leader in the execution of the company’s corporate strategy as the co-founder and Senior Managing Director. She has played a key role in corporate planning and team projects in the areas of operations, accounting, human resources, policy, public relations, and law during the course of her work with BidWizer.

BidWizer, which will launch this summer, is her greatest commercial achievement. She is a member of the corporation’s board of directors as well as a co-founder and director.

Where did the idea for BidWizer come from?

Tony Lanham, Founder and CEO, a veteran auto dealer, is the visionary for BidWizer. Together we have built three market-disrupting technologies with a focus on the automotive industry.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

For 4 years now, our days begin at 6 am. We have daily stand-up meetings for both technology platform statuses, process and flow planning, fund raising, vendor and strategic partner engagement, API strategy and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, legal contracts, growth strategy, structure and org planning and investor relations meetings. Days end at 7-11 pm with emails, follow ups and planning. We are deep into development and are highly focused on quality results for consumer and dealers.

How do you bring ideas to life?

We identify issues in the automotive industry and solve those problems for people. We strategize, implement and execute.

What’s one trend that excites you?

Online virtual marketplaces. Over 80% of persons will purchase a vehicle online.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Planning and staying focused on the objectives and goals, both daily, short term and long term. I do what I can everyday, and place what I can not do on a future considerations and actions list.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen more.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Check your ego at the door and Live in gratitude everyday. Attitude is a choice and is your personal responsibility. Hold yourself accountable.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Work hard, and build a culture within your organization that you are proud of. Culture starts from the top down and is one of the most important aspects in creating a successful company.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Do what you can accomplish everyday, and do not ponder on the things you cannot do.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I am not sure I would call it a failure, but it is not to let others be in control of your destiny, choose a partner that sees eye to eye with you.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Stockholder software.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Dinner and shopping with my mom. Anything with her is my best spent money and more importantly…time with her.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Excel-Outlook Calendar-0365-to stay organized and plan, Zoom video-to connect and meet with developers, vendors and strategic partners.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

The Art of Racing in the Rain. It is from a dog’s perspective and it parallels life and the challenges we face. Learning how to effectively navigate our lives.

What is your favorite quote?

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass….
It’s about learning to dance in the rain.