Miller’s Septic began in 1973 as a family business. A half century later, the business (now called Miller’s Services to reflect the expanding list of work they perform) is still a family affair.
Miller’s Services is in the midst of celebrating its golden anniversary. Founded by the husband-and-wife team of James “Lee” Miller and Mary Miller, the business has grown from a small operation to a family-run business with more than 90 employees that offers a wide range of septic, plumbing, electrical and HVAC services.
The company today is run by third-generation owners James “Jamie” Miller III and Ashley Miller. The siblings took the reins in 2022 after years of working with their parents, James “Jim” Miller Jr. and Sallie Miller.
Jamie has been around the business his entire life, working alongside his grandfather at what was then Miller’s Septic Services. He worked there part-time over summers and on weekends until 1999 when he joined full-time.
Jamie obtained his commercial driver’s license and began doing more and more to help his grandmother run the business. He said back then the business just was him and a truck. However, he said he knew then that there were opportunities for the company to do more. He said in 2001 he and his parents took over the business and that’s when it began to take off.
Ashley had a similar path to joining the family business as she worked with her father at the other family business, Jim Miller Construction. She graduated from VCU in 2005 and began working more and more at Miller’s Services as it expanded.
The business had been operated out of their grandparent’s home for most of its existence, said Ashley. She said before moving to the current office location she and her worked from their bedrooms, said Ashley. In 2009 the company was moved to its current location in Saluda.
As the company grew in staff and began offering more to its customers, it rebranded as Miller’s Services in 2016. Jamie said demand from customers to offer more increased to the point where it only made sense to expand by offering plumbing, HVAC and more to customers.
Ashley said the diversification of services has been a key to the success of Miller’s Service. Jamie said they have dedicated experts for each of the services they provide to ensure the quality of the work stays constant regardless of the service.
Ashley said they invest in their employees by not only providing great benefits and compensation but also by providing the latest training. She said they send individuals across the state and even country to attend training programs and classes to help them become and remain experts in their fields.
Jamie said customers are more informed today than ever with access to information at their fingertips. He said because of this, Miller’s Services has to stay up to date on everything to continue to provide the services that are in demand. The investment they put into their employees and brand’s reputation has led to Miller’s Services becoming a one-stop shop for expert services.
Outside of the work Miller’s does for its customers, the siblings are active in working within the community. Ashley said they’ve worked with animal shelters, food pantries and other nonprofit organizations to support the community that supports them. Jamie said the goal is to give back to people in need, like haircuts to the homeless or bicycles to kids.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the businesses, Miller’s Services is giving away 50 of something each month. Ashley said in January they donated 50 meals to the GUEST shelter over the course of the month. This month, they traveled to Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gloucester, to deliver 50 Valentine’s Day bouquets to its residents.
The best way to keep up with the giveaways and other happenings at Miller’s Services is to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about the services offered by Miller’s Services, including its Total Care Club visit millers-va.com or call 804-758-4314.
