ARCHBOLD, Ohio — Brad Miller still remembers driving around to his father's construction sites as a kid.
It seems he was always destined to take over the family business, although it wasn't always at the front of his mind. Archbold-based Miller Bros. Const., Inc. celebrates 75 years in business this year, and Mr. Miller is the third generation owner.
"Dad drove us around on the weekends a lot," Mr. Miller said. "It wasn't all that fun trapped in a car looking at dirt, but as I got older, you take pride in building something and being part of a project or roadway. Now I drive by places and point out things to my kids, and now they roll their eyes at me."
Brothers Dale and Floyd Miller started the company in 1945 digging ditches on nights and weekends. What started off as jobs they fit into their spare time turned into full-time work building interstate highways.
Dean and Bob Miller, sons of the first two owners, climbed the ladder and took over the company in 1992. They focused on highway projects and civil site work, but also expanded the business and got into coal mining in Kentucky and West Virginia.
Today, the son of Dean and grandson of Dale is at the helm, and the growth continues. Mr. Miller — who worked for ODOT for five years after college — said the main ingredient to success is hiring quality people.
"My father always said to hire someone for their character and good things will happen," Mr. Miller said. "So you surround yourself with good people. We still try to treat our employees like they're part of our extended family. You spend a lot of time with the people you work with, more than your blood family sometimes. I believe you need to enjoy that time."
Miller Bros. completed miles of interstate work in the 1970s and 80s around Cincinnati and into Kentucky. Most work today is done in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, but the company has completed projects in 13 states.
Workers still do plenty of roads and bridges — like the new State Route 64 bridge over the Maumee River in Waterville — but also site work. Highlights include the Huntington Center and Fifth Third Field downtown, and Amazon facilities in Rossford and Toledo.
Scott Nartker, a project and field superintendent, has been with Miller Bros. 22 years. He still appreciates a job well done.
"You’re proud to drive back past whatever you built and say you did that," Mr. Nartker said. "It's a proud moment. We're always proud when we drive around and show off the logo on our trucks because we know we do quality work."
Like any industry, adapting to trends and changes is key. Mr. Miller said using technology to the company's advantage instead of resisting it was important to grow the business. "The electronics and the GPS controlled equipment, we've not been afraid to embrace that and accept it," he said. "What we used to do by hand in the office, there are now so many softwares and electronic equipment. We use drones to do surveys now. It was a big part of our success and made us more efficient."
Mr. Miller said anyone can buy a piece of technology, but the difference between success and failure are the people around you. He said northwest Ohio has provided the company with great employees.
The owner is complimentary of his workers and said he tries to promote a family atmosphere with an emphasis on teamwork. Mr. Nartker can feel it every day.
"I grew up with the family in the younger days and they are top notch people all the way around," Mr. Nartker said. "The Miller family takes care of everybody. They're true to their word and very safety-oriented."
Miller Bros. is involved with I Build America and uses it to recruit their workforce. The program shines a light on the opportunities provided by working in a skilled trade.
"By the time kids are in high school they're told they have to go to college, but it's not necessarily the best option for everyone. There are places to get into in this industry and move up. You can have a great career and make a very good living in construction.
"We take a lot of pride in walking away from a job knowing we improved something. Whether it's a road or a bridge, it's safer and going to last. To know you played a role in that is a great feeling."
First Published September 19, 2020, 4:00 p.m.
