Mills James is marking 40 years of helping Fortune 500 companies grow their fortunes, championing worthy causes, helping start-ups get started, brands advertise, and Columbus businesses thrive. 40 years of innovation, growth, and success. From the very first, our story has been telling our clients’ stories.
From our two founding partners, we’ve grown to over 350 team members in 52 locations across the U.S. and Mexico. Everything has changed, and nothing has changed. We still act like a start-up, dream big, and forge ideas into videos, live events, and experiences that connect, inspire, and celebrate our clients and those who matter most to them.
Mission Statement
to craft and deliver EXPERIENCES that
deepen human connections and INSPIRE people to care and act
Our Values
- Listen
- Make it easy
- Respond
- Pay attention to details
- Treat everyone with courtesy and respect
- Solve problems
Leadership Team
President
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Sales Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Director of Human Resources
Video & Production Manager
Vice President of Hospitality
Director of Event Strategy & Design
Marketing Manager
Director of Event Operations
Employee spotlight
Fifteen years, countless projects, and a journey from video tech to team manager – meet the maestro behind the scenes for our Procter and Gamble partnership – Mark Nierlich. As an Event Operations Manager, he ensures projects run smoothly by managing the events calendar, assigning project leaders, connecting them with clients, handling quick turn quotes and Statements of Work (SOWs), overseeing equipment inventory and maintenance, advising staff, and refining internal processes. He masterfully balances family, leadership, and the daily challenges of complex scheduling. Check out Mark’s interview below!
06-30-2024
"I really fell in love with some aspects of production you don’t really learn about in school – namely script supervising and producing." If you know her, you love her – Tessa Wilson, our resident weirdo and May Employee Spotlight. Tessa lives every day with an open mind and a warm heart, both very evident in her work as a video and broadcast producer. She's an exceptional addition to Mills James and always makes time to give credit to her team, it takes a village and we're so thankful to have Tessa in ours. Check out Tessa’s full interview below!
06-11-2024
“Always being able to think on the fly and problem solve is a necessity in this role” Our Employee Spotlight this month features Marcel Harris: AV Technician. Starting at Mills James at the ripe old age of 17, Marcel has proven his professionalism and dedication to the craft in just two years. Marcel is known here for his catch phrase, “we will make it work”, and you see this attitude shine through in every event he is a part of. Check out the full interview with Marcel, below!
04-25-2024
“The team tackles each challenge and job with a creativity that is amazing to see” Our Employee Spotlight this month features John McOwen: Post Production Supervisor. John has been with Mills James for 28 years and speaks about his experience prior to Mills James and what it’s like leading the Post team. Read John’s interview below to learn more.
04-01-2024
“Every morning coming into work, I make it a point to notice the color of the sky, the sunrise” Our Employee Spotlight this month features Shane Walker: Colorist, Creative Editorial. Shane has been with Mills James for 16 years and offers a level of creativity, expertise, and wisdom that we couldn’t find anywhere else. Read Shane’s interview below to learn more about how he got here and where he sees the industry going.
02-26-2024
“I have always found the entertainment industry to be very fast moving, never black and white.” Our Employee Spotlight this month features Kim Davis: Talent & Licensing Coordinator. Kim manages everything from sourcing, negotiating to coordinating of all talent payments for Union and non-union projects. Check out the full interview with Kim below!
01-31-2024
“I have worked my way up in hospitality since I was 15… from being a dishwasher, line cook, server, bartender, and several managerial roles” Our Employee Spotlight this month features James Waterfield: Director of Hospitality. James leads our 20+ hotel and convention center locations through operations and sales. Leading his team, serving our clients and rowing his way to the top, is his specialty. Check out the full interview with James below!
12-29-2023
“If you don’t embrace it, you’ll just waste it, and if you bruise your ribs on the bunny hill, it will eventually get you to the top of the mountain.” Our Employee Spotlight this month features Matt Sullivan: Director of the MJ Cleveland office. Alongside his small, but mighty team of 6, Matt has built the Cleveland office into what it is today. Pushing boundaries, building relationships, all while cheering on the Browns; they can’t be stopped. You won’t want to miss where they are headed in the next five years! Check out the full interview with Matt below!
11-28-2023
“I’ve always had a fondness for words and images. Mix ‘em. Match ‘em. Collect them all. Trade them with your friends!” Our Employee Spotlight this month features John Hewitt: Creative Director. John has always had a knack for creating. Whether it’s creating storylines, creating ideas, or creating humor, he’s your guy. With almost 25 years under his belt at Mills James, John has legacy knowledge mixed with innovative thinking that is forward looking, making him an expert in our industry (even if he does have bad handwriting). Check out the full interview with John below!
10-31-2023
“They know they can call me, and I will lead them in the right direction.” Our Employee Spotlight this month features Marsha Barrett: Senior Account Director. Marsha supports some of our biggest clients here and truly loves what she does. From listening to her clients, to bringing together a dream team to deliver, and to nurturing client relationships, no two days are the same for her. Check out Marsha’s interview below!
09-27-2023
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