Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Miller.
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been drawn to sports. Growing up, my dream was to become a sideline reporter; I loved the idea of telling athletes’ stories in real time. When I got to the University of Texas at Austin, I initially planned to pursue broadcast journalism, but I quickly realized that being in the sports industry mattered more to me than the specific role. That led me to the sport management program, which ultimately shaped the direction of my career.
During my senior year, I interned with ESPN, where I split time between production and programming. That experience was pivotal and it exposed me to the business side of sports, particularly sponsorships, and helped me realize that I was more interested in being part of the business engine behind the scenes than on camera.
After graduating, I joined the Texas Rangers in corporate partnerships, starting in client services. I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of executing sponsorship deals, and later stepped into a role supporting our Chief Revenue Officer and General Counsel. That experience gave me a deep understanding of contracts, strategy, and executive-level decision-making and one of the most formative experiences of my career.
From there, I transitioned into sales with the Dallas Cowboys, where I found my passion for solution-based selling; really understanding a client’s business and building partnerships that drive measurable outcomes. I loved the complexity, the long sales cycles, and the strategic thinking required.
The biggest pivot in my career came when I moved into the energy and facilities space. It was a risk, completely different industry, but I was craving a new challenge and an opportunity to keep learning. The learning curve was steep, especially being surrounded by technical experts, but I quickly realized my value wasn’t in being the engineer, it was in deeply understanding clients and translating complex solutions into business value.
After a few years, our company was acquired by Crete United, which opened the door to leadership. That was a turning point for me. I discovered how much I enjoy mentoring, coaching, and building teams; helping others grow while continuing to grow myself.
Looking back, while my path hasn’t been linear, the common thread has always been relationships, curiosity, and a passion for solving real business problems.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a straight or easy path.
One of the biggest challenges was transitioning industries. Moving from sports into energy and facilities was a major leap, and early on, I felt like I was constantly trying to catch up. I was surrounded by engineers and technical experts, and there were moments of self-doubt, wondering if I had made the right decision.
But that experience taught me something really important: you don’t have to be the technical expert to be successful, you have to be the client expert. Once I leaned into that, everything started to click.
Another challenge has been navigating different stages of life alongside my career. I had my first child during COVID, which forced me to reevaluate what mattered most. The sports industry, while incredibly rewarding, can be demanding and less flexible. That realization pushed me to make a change, not because I didn’t love what I was doing, but because I wanted a career that could evolve with my life.
And like many working moms, there’s an ongoing balancing act. Some days you feel like you’re winning at work, other days you’re more present at home, but rarely does everything feel perfectly balanced. Learning to give myself grace in that process has been a journey in itself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Today, I lead enterprise and strategic accounts in the energy and facilities space, where I focus on helping large, multi-site organizations optimize their operations, from energy management to HVAC services to broader infrastructure strategy.
My specialty is solution-based selling at an enterprise level. I don’t approach sales as a transaction; I approach it as a partnership. I spend a lot of time understanding how a client’s business operates, where their pain points are, and how we can build integrated solutions that drive long-term value.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to bridge gaps between technical teams and business stakeholders, between strategy and execution, and between what a client thinks they need and what will actually move the needle.
I’m also incredibly proud of stepping into leadership. Developing people, mentoring my team, and helping them build confidence and skills, it’s become one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.
What sets me apart is a combination of relationship-building, strategic thinking, and adaptability. My career path has been unconventional, which has forced me to learn quickly, stay curious, and operate comfortably in ambiguity. I’m not afraid to take risks, and I genuinely enjoy being in environments where I’m challenged.
What matters most to you? Why?
At this stage in my life, what matters most is balance; building a career I’m proud of while being present for my family.
I’m a wife, a mom, and a business leader, and I care deeply about showing up well in all of those roles. I grew up with a working mom, so I’ve always had a strong example of what that looks like. It’s important to me that my kids see me pursuing my goals, growing in my career, and challenging myself; while also being there for them.
I also value growth, personally and professionally. I want to keep learning, keep being challenged, and continue evolving. That’s a big driver behind many of the decisions I’ve made in my career.
At the end of the day, success for me isn’t just about titles or revenue; it’s about impact. The impact I have on my team, my clients, and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creteunited.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-rowell-miller/
