“Some clients seem skeptical when I arrive driving my M&R Ready Mix truck,” says Spence Miller. “But their initial impressions quickly change once they see what I can accomplish.”

Spence’s journey to prove himself began early. At just two years old, he faced an unexpected challenge: a childhood accident resulted in him losing part of his arm. Rather than letting this define him, Spence chose to move forward, refusing to dwell on an incident that could have held him back.

“Some people ask me, ‘Why are you working? You should be on disability,” he reflects. “But I’ve never considered myself disabled.” Growing up on a dairy farm, his parents instilled in him values emphasizing equality and hard work. They treated him the same as his siblings, even when it came to sharing chores, which set a strong foundation for his resilience.

In high school, Spence continued to challenge perceptions of limitations by participating in sports—baseball, football, and wrestling. The stigma of disability never deterred him; instead, it fueled his determination to prove that limitations exist only if we allow them to.

“To me, disability is a mindset,” he says. “I never used having one arm as a crutch.” That perspective has not only shaped his personal journey but also the way he navigates life and work, inspiring those around him to view challenges as opportunities.

Spence grew up on a dairy farm, where he learned to drive trucks and tractors. He still has the more than 200-acre farm, but today it is primarily a livestock operation.

A lifelong resident of Wauseon, Ohio, Spence attended Pike-Delta-York schools. In eighth grade, he met a charming seventh-grader named Karen. They began dating during their final years of high school and got married just six months after his graduation. This year, they proudly celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary.

Karen describes Spence as fearless, responsible, hardworking, and loving. The humble Spence says he is simply a family man who does whatever he can for his loved ones.

Cultivating a Strong Work Ethic

Spence’s first job was at Cook’s department store in Wauseon, where he handled a variety of tasks, from operating the cash register to running the loading dock. The experience laid a solid foundation for his work ethic. After that, he worked for S-W Mills, an alfalfa products supplier in Archbold.

Early in their marriage, Spence and his family embarked on a new adventure by relocating to Martha’s Vineyard, a picturesque island in Massachusetts, just south of Cape Cod. His older brother and a cousin were already living there and told him about a job opportunity at a gas station.

It was during this period that Spence first became involved in the ready-mix business, setting the stage for his future career. In 1990, after two years on the island, they moved back to Wauseon, and Spence began working for M&R Redi Mix Trucking in Pettisville.

“M&R trained me well,” reflects Spence, thankful for the supportive environment fostered by management and coworkers alike. “The people were very nice, and the owner valued everyone’s opinion.” The Gerken Companies acquired M&R in 2019 and renamed it M&R Ready Mix. “Gerken kept everyone, which we all appreciated greatly.”

Family Values

Beyond work, Spence leads a fulfilling personal life with his wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. They cherish their time together, especially during winters in Florida and family visits in Tennessee. Additionally, they find joy in exploring theme parks and playing miniature golf. Spence also has a passion for tinkering with cars and farm equipment, which keeps him engaged in his leisure time.

Professionally, Spence enjoys being on the road, visiting longtime customers, and meeting new ones. The long hours do not bother him—he’s used to waking up at 3:30 a.m. to milk the cows. His commitment to building relationships complements his dedication to work; Spence explains that he tries to get along with everyone.

Many people might be surprised to learn that, despite having only one arm, Spence was an exceptional high school baseball player. His talent was so noteworthy that it caught the attention of the 1980s reality television show, That’s Incredible!, which filmed a segment about him during his junior year. Unfortunately, ABC canceled the show before his segment aired.

Ultimately, Spence’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance. While many would see only the challenges he has overcome, he sees opportunities for personal growth. He maintains a positive attitude and is willing to help anyone who needs it. His infectious spirit not only inspires those around him but also serves as a reminder that our limitations are often self-imposed.