EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT – DALE BICKER

From passionate actor, to real estate investor, to resourceful prop builder and lighting technician, Dale Bicker has worn many hats throughout his career—a trait that serves him well in the dynamic world of event production. In his (almost) 11 years at Mills James, Dale has become a master of coordination, overseeing every aspect of the production process to ensure each event runs as smoothly as a spotlight on opening night. A husband, father, and seasoned traveler, Dale finds constant inspiration in the people around him and never backs down from a good challenge. Whether you need someone to build props or play a tree in your property management commercial, Dale does it all. But don't fly with him, we hear he's bad luck.

Hear more from this Senior Production Manager below:

How long have you been at Mills James?  

Almost 11 years now.

What did your life look like before MJ?

Before transitioning into live events, my background was deeply rooted in theater—both onstage and behind the scenes. I was involved in a wide range of productions, from commercials for property management companies—where I played a tree, their logo—to internal training content for a national home goods retailer. I also spent several years investing in and rehabbing real estate!

What led you to a career in this industry?

I first became involved in theater in high school and deepened that focus by building sets, designing lighting, and working on the technical crews for multiple productions. After graduating, I gained hands-on technical experience at theaters and on tours across several states. Eventually, I settled in Florida and married the love of my life. One day, my wife spotted a van for an events company and suggested it might be a great opportunity to apply my technical background in new environments. That moment ended up being a turning point, leading me into the live events industry.

What's a project that stands out to you?

One of my favorite projects is Best of Safelite. It’s a national competition held every two years, where the company’s top glass repair technicians come together to compete in a weeklong series of challenging tasks. What I enjoy most is the unique challenge of designing a space that not only captures the energy and spirit of the competition but also ensures fairness and consistency for all participants.

What is your favorite part of being on the Events team?  

I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge, and in my role, I have the opportunity to problem-solve some of the most complex aspects of event production. I take pride in drawing from past experiences to develop creative, effective solutions to the unexpected challenges that arise throughout the planning and execution process. 

How many states have you traveled to for work?

I actually keep a map in my office marked with pins for every city I’ve visited over the past 11 years. So far, I’ve worked in 22 states, with several destinations being frequent stops—such as Florida, California, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Texas.

Do you have any best kept secrets you've found for flying?

I’ve learned that patience is key when it comes to flying—so much of the experience is out of our control. I've also developed a bit of a reputation for having ‘bad travel luck,’ with more than my fair share of delays and cancellations, though I like to think that’s still unproven.

Tell us about a professional success story you're proud of.

Every success I’ve been a part of has been the result of the incredible people around me. At Mills James, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and creative professionals in the industry. Whether it’s during the planning phase or onsite execution, the team consistently rises to meet any challenge. Someone once told me, 'There’s no such thing as a perfect event,' and I believe that wholeheartedly. What sets our team apart is the constant drive to improve, refine, and elevate the work we do, always striving to make it better.

Do you have any interesting hobbies?

Outside of work, I stay busy with my kids’ activities. My background in theater, particularly in set building, has come in handy—I've been able to put those skills to use by creating props for my daughter’s dance studio. I really enjoy the process of working with raw materials and seeing it all come together as part of a finished performance onstage. 

What are you looking forward to in your future?

I've always been someone who thrives in the moment. I’ve never had a perfect answer to the question, 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' because I’m motivated more by the next challenge, the next creative puzzle, and the opportunities that come with them. I try to stay present, embrace where I am, and grow through each experience.

That mindset carries over into my personal life as well. Being a parent has taught me a lot about adaptability, patience, and perspective—qualities that I bring into my work every day. For me, success is as much about professional growth as it is about being engaged and grounded in all areas of life.