Lessons Learned by Becoming a Leader by Circumstance | Stewart McMillan | TEDxCountyLineRoad

A company that has the wrong type of leadership ascends to it's ceiling with nowhere to go. Thrust into a leadership role after his father's untimely death, Stewart McMillan struggled to move his father's company forward. Successful growth meant he would have to change everything he knew about being a leader.
Stewart McMillan has been in the fire industry since childhood. His earliest recollection is riding back to the fire station on the knee of a Chicago Lieutenant on Squad 2 when he was six years old. All through his childhood years, Stewart found hanging out at the fire station to be far more interesting than hanging out with other kids. As Chief Clyde McMillan, Stewart's father, grew the Gary Fire Task Force, Stewart was there weekend after weekend helping rebuild and maintain the menagerie of old fire apparatus that the Civil Defense Fire Department had managed to obtain. In 1968, at the age of 14, Stewart drove a 1947 International Pumper to a lumber yard fire, and connected it to the hydrant with a hard suction all by himself. From that point on, he was involved with the Gary Fire Task Force up through 1973.
Stewart attended Purdue University Calumet where he received the first interdisciplinary degree in engineering, while working full-time to help his father in the struggling family business. In the early years of the company, he was involved with the manufacturing of the company, while his father and brother, Doug, handled the sales aspects. Task Force Tips continued to grow rapidly, and in May of 1976, groundbreaking took place for their first facility in Valparaiso, Indiana.
In the fall of 1982, a great tragedy struck the McMillan family when Chief Clyde McMillan died suddenly. It was at this time that Stewart, age 28, became President of Task Force Tips, Inc.
Stewart takes an active role in all aspects of the company's operations. He is a visionary leader that continues to look for new technology and better ways of manufacturing equipment. Under his leadership the company continues to expand and meet market demands. As a result of the innovative computer systems he has employed and has highly committed employees. Task Force Tips sets the industry standards for on-time deliveries, product quality, and follow-up service.
Stewart is a member of the Valparaiso Rotary and The Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce. He is also active in the World Presidents Organization, active member of the Ivy Tech Board of Trustees, MAAC Foundation and National Association of Manufacturers. Stewart has also been a member of the Union Township Fire Department and Washington Township Fire Department, and has held officer positions on both departments at the same time.
An aviation enthusiast, he is also a certified instrument multi-engine pilot, a member of Experimental Aircraft Association, and the Airplane Owners & Pilots Association. In addition, on various occasions, Stewart has flown several "missions" for LifeLine pilots--a non-profit organization that flies patients with healthcare needs to the proper facilities, entirely through the donation of the pilot's time and aircraft.
Stewart and wife, Kathryn, have two children, Kelly and Ian. Most recently became grandparents to their grandson Mack.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@roneilken6668]

What an honest, self reflective message. I am glad I had the opportunity to met Stewart. A truly humble man who accomplished so much for the fire service and in my experience, treated everyone he met as an equal!

[@quebird6778]

My dad was the Chief Fire Inspector for the Gary Fire Department. When I was young, I had the opportunity to meet Clyde McMillan. Two old school firefighters who were thoroughly immersed in their professions. RIP gentleman….

[@jetbluemusic3809]

I worked with Chief McMillan as a Lt. with the Fire Task Force in Gary Indiana. Used the first "Automatic Nozzle" at a lot of fires, and showed it to several Fire Chief's all the way to California back in the 60's. The Greatest Nozzle in the Fire Industry Now. (by the way, knew Stewart when he was just a kid growing up along with his brother) Now A Great Leader, just like his Father.

[@tft024]

Hello Rich Martin! You are one of my favorite small world stories. Will never forget being on a plane when I heard a voice that was REAL familiar talking to the Captain. I could not see you but knew it was you. Got out of my seat and went up front on the plane and sure enough you were talking with the Captain about he fuel order. Thanks for the comments. If your ever in cold country come visit us!

[@rustyshackleford5269]

I'm proud to say I graduated from the MAAC for my volunteer Fire 1 and 2. His Dad would be damn proud of it.

[@dennyesford4387]

Nice talk Stewart. I knew some but not all of this story from my days selling Mazaks to TFT. Certainly one of the finest leaders that I have met in my career.

[@l0sangelesfiredepartment988]

R.I.P. Chief 🚒🚑 We Miss U Sir 💔💔💔💔