CA Miller Construction Testimonial

By Ben Watters

Chad Miller did not start his business CA Miller Construction in a conventional way. His path was not the common trade school or apprenticeship program that we often see. Really, there are many paths that might bring one to come to love building and contracting. Chad’s direction was that of a teacher as he graduated from Franklin College with his teaching degree.

Chad had always been a student in observation of several family members who were entrepreneurs. Like his dad who owns a sawmill and warehouse business, Chad was cut from the same cloth. Chad began his journey as a Builder and Remodeler by working for his uncle in high school and college. He earned a degree in education from Franklin University but said, “He could not see himself cooped up in a classroom.”

After some time, Chad went to work for local custom builder and remodeler, Paul Holtkamp. Paul became a mentor to Chad as he learned on the job. Each job was a new and exciting adventure in learning as Paul did new construction and remodeling. This gave Chad a wide breadth of knowledge and experience.

After several years working for Paul, Chad decided it was time for him to venture out on his own. Paul supported this idea as they still work together on jobs today. Sometimes they share employees and equipment. This arrangement is mutually beneficial to both mentor and mentee.

Chad’s business is growing exponentially as he is especially skilled at the fine finish work needed to give that high-end home just what it needs to look “over the top”. From framing to completion of custom homes right down to repair and remodeling Chad applies these skills to each project. Chad attributes this growth to the quality of employees, suppliers, and, subcontractors that work with him. Many of his crew are from his hometown of Hope, In. and they know what it takes to get the job done.

Kyle Smith is his Bender Lumber Customer Service Representative who plays a huge part in helping to keep Chad going on the job. Emergency deliveries are often needed as unforeseen items pop up each day. By planning ahead and keeping in touch, Kyle helps Chad stay on track. It is, for this reason, Chad buys as much as possible from Kyle and Bender Lumber. Chad says: “Kyle is his emergency plan as he will jump and run to keep you working.” Kyle will do whatever he can for his customers as he often considers them his friends and business partners. Chad tells a story of how Kyle even delivered firewood for him late one evening.

Kyle also helps Chad by solving material availability problems and offering solutions. Since Bender Lumber is an independent and local supplier they are not limited to just a few sources. Finding the most obscure items is a specialty. Chad says,” I feel like Bender Lumber is a partner with myself to provide top-notch, quality products to current and future customers!”

His company is relatively new, but Chad has a vision for it. In five to ten years Chad hopes to see his company considered as one of the top construction companies in the area. Dream big Chad we can see it!

Chad stays active in many other things. He is an active supporter of his community which includes being a member of the local school board. It is on the school board Chad can also apply a common-sense approach to influence the young people in our schools.

Building a strong footing, Chad’s local business is growing and at the right pace. The future is indeed positive for CA Miller Construction and his local supplier Bender Lumber. We look forward to many years of growth with CA Miller and Bender Lumber.