U.S. Home execs balance family life, career

Balancing family life and a career can be tough, but it's all in a day's work for some executives at U.S. Home's Las Vegas Division.

In fact, "tough" best describes Sharon Miller and Julie Selter, who have thrived in the traditionally male-dominated field of construction. "Tough" also describes their respective husbands, Bill Miller and Pete Selter, who not only support their spouses in their careers, but share those careers with them.

Sharon Miller is vice president of construction for the builder's Custom Residential Division, while Bill Miller is senior construction manager. Both were drawn to the trade at any early age.

"My grandfather was a builder and wood carver," Sharon Miller said. "I spent my happiest hours with him when I was growing up. I learned to love the whole process of building something and the art of carving something wonderful from a simple piece of wood."

Miller eventually formed her own construction company in Texas, then relocated to Las Vegas.

Although Bill Miller spent 20 years in law enforcement, he never lost the passion he felt for construction, which he learned from his uncle, a contractor in California.

"Even during the time I was on the force, I would go back and work with my uncle when I had free time. It was a hobby that I found relaxing and rewarding. It kept me balanced," he said.

Of his job, Miller said he is "kind of like a paratrooper. My position is very hands on. I'm actually out there building the homes, meeting the challenge of each community."

The Millers, who married in 1997, enjoy working at home as well.

"We always have a project going on at home," Sharon Miller said. "And not something small. Once we get started, it usually involves knocking out walls and going full speed ahead.

"We're both aggressive, both super achievers, and the fact that we're so much alike really works for us. We're best friends" she said.

Living and working together requires long hours, dedication and a sense of humor, according to the Selters, who are both vice presidents of construction.

Julie Selter oversees work at the Copperfield, Torrey Pines and Steeplechase neighborhoods in the northwestern valley, while Pete Selter spends his days overseeing similar activity at Carriage Hills in the southeastern valley and Palomino Canyon in the southwest area.

Married two years, the couple has five children between them, age 5 to 17 years.

"My 20 years in the military honed my organizational skills, but raising children has really taught me the value of communication and compromise," Pete Selter said. "I find I'm more in tune to the challenges my children face in school and the challenges my builders confront on the job. Communication skills allow you to look for options and alternatives to resolve a situation, at home or at work."

Julie Selter agreed.

"It takes a lot of organizational skills, scheduling and juggling to make sure that the children have their activities and the weekend family activities that we plan," she said. "I'm pretty good at organization, and ensure that everything gets completed on schedule -- just like I do when I'm out in the field."

U.S. Home is a member of the Lennar Family of Builders. The Las Vegas Division is currently developing eight neighborhoods throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

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