Kate Miller

Background

About Kate Miller

With over 40 years in the truck industry, I lead Blue Edge Marketing Ltd, a full-service advertising, marketing and public relations agency based in So. Wisconsin. Specializing in the truck/transportation, construction, technology and publishing sectors, we excel in branding, positioning and launching new products, divisions and companies. We have a proven track record of creating marketing and media strategies that drive revenue growth and elevate brand presence. Our expertise includes establishing marketing frameworks for startups and spin-offs, building dealer and distributor networks and managing investor relations. We’ve developed comprehensive marketing programs that have achieved response rates ten times higher than the industry average and organized media events delivering thousands of dollars in exposure for every dollar spent. Additionally, we have handled complex public and investor relations efforts, including guiding the largest mapping company through bankruptcy and supporting a prominent component manufacturer named by the NTSB during a high-profile industry incident. Since the industry's longevity and image are important to me, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation, which led to receiving the Automotive Aftermarket Education Award from Northwood University. I designed a Trucking Technician Education Program using Career Academies and recently initiated a preschool-through-elementary initiative to inspire and retain young talent in the trucking industry. In May 2007, I took a six-year hiatus from Blue Edge to join Newport Business Media, where I was President. During my tenure, I presented the prestigious Truck Dealer of the Year award to recipients such as Rush Truck Centers, Diamond International and TEC Equipment. Collaborating with an acquisition firm, I successfully facilitated Newport's sale to Bobit Business Media in 2012. Blue Edge was founded in 2001 after leaving Leistra & Associates and Leistra Miller PR, where I doubled billings as Managing Partner over four years. Before that, I served as Editor-in-Chief of Equipment Today at Cygnus Business Media, focusing on the truck and construction markets. As the first woman to interview the President of Samsung in Korea, I broke new ground in journalism. Earlier in my career, I managed a training program for Caterpillar’s truck and marine engine lines, contributing to the VAX development—the industry’s first touch-screen system. I led training for a high-performance Mustang engine production line at Ford Motor Company’s Dearborn Engine and Gas Tank Division.