“We look for solutions for customers,” Valdez says.
details he may have overlooked. “She’s my yang to my yin,” he jokes.
Sometimes that means working within the capabilities of manufacturers such as Epiroc and Metso . Other times, it means modifying equipment, redesigning a component or finding an entirely different route to the outcome a customer needs. “My goal is to make sure that the customer is profitable first.” The balance between risk and discipline also exists inside the Valdez family. Robert describes himself as the entrepreneur and risk taker. His wife is more conservative, watching the numbers, insurance, liability and the A Business Built Together
When he celebrates a large deal, she is often already thinking about taxes, coverage and exposure. “I’m looking at it from a realistic point of view,” she tells him.
Valdez calls her his “litmus test.”
“If I can convince her that it’s a good deal, I can convince anybody.” They have worked beside one another for decades, her financial discipline allowing him to remain focused on customers, growth and business development. Their son has now joined that story. Originally studying biology with plans to pursue medicine, he eventually approached his father about joining Millennium.
“I want to sit in your chair,” he told him.
34
2026 DISASTERS & RESILIENT CITY EXPO HOUSTON EDITION
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker