Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Miller.
Hi Zachary, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started doing masonry at a very young age with my dad. He was a stone mason, and going to work with him was as normal as doing chores around the house. I never considered it a job, it was just what he and I did together when I wasn’t in school or playing basketball. After college, the idea of starting a business sounded very appealing, and so we formed Miller Stoneworks. The original goal was to have a steady family business, but we soon began experimenting with new techniques and styles of masonry. Reflecting on seventeen years of work, although I am proud of what we have built, I am most grateful that I was able to build these fireplaces with my dad before he retired.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to success is far from linear. I remember hearing the phrase, “feast or famine” when it comes to new businesses, and that was true in the beginning. The first three years were the hardest, with consistent work being challenging to find. There were also many cold winter days where the only work was outside. That meant putting up tents and tarps with propane heaters to keep things from freezing. I get a chill every time I think back on those projects, like my body is still cold from those long winter days. I am grateful that we kept going, even when work was hard to find, because the persistence paid off. Eventually, our profile and reputation grew to the point where we worried less about finding work, and more about keeping up with the demand.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Living in the Northwest, river rock is not only abundant, but commonly matched with the mountain aesthetic. For that reason, most people recognize how I build river rock fireplaces. I fit the stones tight together with no visible mortar between the stones (it is all in the back). The effect is very unique. One of the best compliments I get is from people who don’t normally like river rock, but feel differently when looking at one of my creations. I even started framing my work as more art than construction a few years ago, and it really keeps me motivated.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Going into the trades is a great business decision, because there will always be an abundance of work. All the changing dynamics of AI and automation don’t really affect the hands-on care needed at people’s homes. This not only gives good job security, it means that you can be appreciated for your work by real people that are thankful for you improving their property.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.millerstoneworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millerstoneworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millerstonework
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-miller-205840164
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@millerstoneworks
- Other: https://sundayeveningstories.substack.com
