Fifty years in the same company. It’s a milestone that few reach and even fewer with the same unwavering loyalty, passion and purpose.
For John Milam, a lifelong Producer (Sales Professional) based in Knoxville, Tennessee, June 1, 2025, marked half a century since he first walked through the doors of WTW.
What began as a young graduate’s first job in 1975 has moved to a legacy defined by relationships, resilience and a love for people that shines through every story John tells.
The early years
At just 22, John joined a small Knoxville office of five employees and a manager who would soon become a lifelong friend.
Those early days looked a lot different. “We visited client sites in person factories, sawmills, foundries and explained benefits face-to-face,” John says. “I did it all in a suit and tie, even in the heat of a foundry or climbing into a cement mixer cab.” It was a time of grit, personal connection and handwritten notes.
Over the years, John saved everything, letters, client notes, announcements; a paper time capsule of his career. By his tenth year, John had already built a thriving network of clients. Over time, those connections evolved into lasting partnerships, many of which have stood the test of time.
“The longevity of my client relationships is what I’m most proud of” he says. “They’ve shaped my life. My clients are my friends, they’re like family.”
The changing times
From overhead projectors and 35mm slides to PowerPoint and the digital revolution, John has seen WTW’s business transform through technology.
He laughs remembering the “information highway” days. “We didn’t even know what the internet was,” he says. “I used to stop at pay phones with a handful of quarters to return client calls before cell phones existed.”
By the late 1980s, John was one of the first in Tennessee to have a car phone. So early that the phone company featured him in an ad!
“Technology kept evolving, but the essence of our business, trust and relationships never changed.”
Lessons from a 50-year journey
Five decades at WTW have taught John a few things about success; lessons he believes can be applied to everyone, regardless of their role:
- Be patient and persistent; there are no shortcuts.
- Follow through and treat people with kindness and respect.
- Stay loyal and grounded; the grass is greener where you water it.
“If people know you, like you and trust you, they’ll find a way to buy from you.”
A legacy of joy and purpose
Fifty years later, John Milam still radiates the same energy he had at 22, only now; it’s grounded in gratitude.
“I’ve been blessed,” he says simply. “If you grow because of someone, help someone grow because of you. And remember: every day is a choice, so choose to make it a good one.” Here’s to John and 50 years of service, connection and heart at WTW.
Beyond the office
For John, family has always been his foundation. The third of ten siblings, he credits his parents, especially his father, a World War II pilot, and his mother, the heart of their home, for shaping his values.
“They taught us discipline, kindness and the importance of getting along”, he says. And every morning, John keeps a ritual that reminds him what matters most: “before I get out of bed, I say, ‘I greet this day with joy in my heart”. A reminder of the humor and warmth that has carried him through the decades.
Create your journey at WTW
How about following John’s example and taking your next career step at WTW? Explore our open roles and join a company where people matter, growth is supported and you can go the distance.
Discover a company where your tenure story could start next, with a career that moves you.
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