Chad Mills is anything but your typical accountant stereotype. Of course, Monument Houston’s new Cost/Production Accountant is the math wiz/expert data cruncher you’d expect to effectively manage inventory across multiple plants. But outside the office, he’s a country boy who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

Before Chad found his way into the finance world, he grew up working on a cattle ranch in Texas, doing all the things you’d expect a rancher to do. So he still finds it funny when people meeting him for the first time say he’s not the typical rigid finance guru they anticipated.

“I’ve been a numbers guy my entire career, and I’ve also been an outdoorsman my entire life,” Chad explained. “I spent my childhood cleaning, feeding, and delivering calves on a ranch. And I grew up bay fishing in Matagorda. My oldest son has really gotten into it now, so we’ll go to Lake Conroe, just 10 minutes from our house whenever we can. It’s probably my favorite pastime.”

Similar to the sense of accomplishment that catching a sizable fish may bring, Chad loves the challenge and reward of uncovering issues and solving problems that his work offers on a daily basis.

“My job is to keep track of our inventory at each of our plants and make sure everything is accurate,” Chad shared. “I monitor all the production in the field, inputting all the ingredients necessary to create the finished products and balancing what’s received and what’s shipped. I have a pulse on everything that comes in and out of our facilities, so being able to see the results and the impact you’re having on the process is really rewarding.”

But the last three months have been an interesting onboarding experience for Chad to say the least. Between personnel changes and internal growth, he’s had to pivot his role a few times, all while learning the ins and outs of each site.

“Having come from the finance and operations of a coatings company, I was familiar with the chemicals and their processes,” Chad added. “But every plant at Monument is completely different in their operations, so I’m still in the learning phase as to how we handle things as a company. But everyone here has been super welcoming and supportive. I really enjoy working with Caryn Barnett and a lot of key people in production and shipping/receiving to quickly correct any issues and adjust to changes along the way. Because of everyone’s willingness to help, it’s really been a smooth transition for me.”

Outside of work, Chad’s busy being a full-time dad to two boys, Hudson (10) and McCoy (6). His oldest takes after him as a big sports guy, excelling at both baseball and soccer, while his youngest is more the intellectual type, living for the thrill of the build — even at 6 years old!

“Hudson loves the spotlight,” Chad explained. “He’s very competitive and is on all the travel and all-star teams for his age. McCoy is the complete opposite; he definitely takes after his mom with his smarts and enjoys doing his own thing, which we try to encourage. We bought him these little robotics to build, and he loves them, in addition to all of his legos.” 

As for Chad’s love of sports, he’s a Texas fan through and through. So when he’s not cheering Hudson on from the sidelines, he’s watching the Cowboys, Astros, Longhorns, and this season especially, TCU. 

Monument is fortunate to have Chad on our team — and happy to hear the feeling is mutual!

“I love working at Monument,” Chad shared. “We have such a small company feel and operate in that way, which I really like. It offers employees so much more freedom, accountability, and a feeling that you’re really making a difference. I’m excited to be more involved as I continue to become more acquainted with our processes and play a role in our future success.”