Adam DeJulius ’09, MBA ‘20 has only been CEO and President of Miller Foods for eight months, but it is a job he’s been preparing for his entire life.

Miller Foods is a family-owned, fourth-generation business in Avon, Conn., founded in 1950 by his great-grandparents, fondly known as Oma and Pa. DeJulius was immersed in the business from an early age, working alongside his family carving turkeys during the family’s annual pre-Thanksgiving turkey sale.

Today the business is focused on its flagship natural pet nutrition business, Oma’s Pride, while ushering in the next era of growth.

“As a fourth-generation leader, I see myself as both a steward and a builder,’’ said DeJulius, a two-time Husky. “My responsibility isn’t simply to preserve what my family created, but to build upon it while maintaining the values that have guided us for more than 75 years. At the same time, we’re embracing new ideas, investing in people, and pursuing thoughtful, sustainable growth.’’

DeJulius will be honored with a ‘40 Under Forty’ award from the Hartford Business Journal at a ceremony in September. The ceremony honors early career leaders who are making an impact in business and their community. DeJulius, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business and technology, with honors, in 2009 and a UConn MBA in 2020, is one of three UConn School of Business alumni to be recognized at the event.

Working in Varied Industries Gave DeJulius New Perspective

DeJulius started his career in insurance and management consulting, seeking the knowledge and skills to become a strong leader. In 2019, he returned to Miller Foods, bringing valuable business experience, a broad perspective, and a new vision for the company’s future.

He enjoys the diversity of responsibility, fast pace, and diversity of his role.

“Every decision we make ultimately affects our employees, our customers, and their families,’’ he said. “That’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.’’

Even the difficult decisions, such as discontinuing a product that customers have come to rely on, are approached with empathy. “Sometimes the right business decision is also the hardest personal decision,’’ he said. “We care deeply about our customers, so those conversations matter.’’

In partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, the company’s philanthropic non-profit organization, Miller Farms Cares, has provided nearly 300,000 meals to families since 2020.

Advice for Students: Surround Yourself with Rising Stars

In hindsight, DeJulius believes that one of his best career decisions was to explore other fields before returning to Miller Foods.

“It’s easy to spend a great deal of time trying to map out the perfect career,’’ he said. “But experience comes from doing. Every role teaches you something, if you’re willing to learn. The years I spent outside our family business gave me perspectives I couldn’t have gained any other way.’’

Students and young alumni should seek mentors and colleagues who inspire and challenge them, he said.

“Surround yourself with people who have high standards, who are curious, and who make everyone around them better,’’ he said. “Learn from them; contribute whenever you can. Your career is shaped far more by those relationships than by chasing titles.’’

DeJulius, 39, works alongside his brother, Nick, who oversees operations. Together they’ve built a partnership rooted in mutual respect, trust, and complementary strengths.

“Nick’s attention to detail, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence make him an exceptional partner,’’ said DeJulius, whose mother Capri led the company for a decade. “We each bring different strengths to the table, but we share the same values and the same commitment to doing what’s right. I genuinely believe the business is stronger because we work together.’’

Completing the UConn MBA program helped DeJulius sharpen his financial knowledge and strengthen his ability to think strategically. It also helped him develop the discipline required to lead a growing business.

“Balancing graduate school, work, and family wasn’t easy, but it shaped the leader I am today,’’ he said.

DeJulius’s wife Kate DeJulius is also a UConn alum, earning a 6th Year Certificate in Educational Leadership at UConn in 2019. She is an assistant principal at Webster Hill Elementary School in West Hartford. The couple, who met as Newington High School students, balance their demanding jobs with raising children Gio, 4, and Luciana, 2.

The couple often share leadership ideas, and are both committed to helping others grow, developing strong teams, and creating environments where people can excel. “I couldn’t do what I do without her partnership,’’ he said.