We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The process of staring my own business started when I was very young. I was in high school when I started reading books about starting a business. Unfortunately, at this time, about 1969, there weren’t many good books on the subject. But it started a spark of interest that later turned into a flame. I don’t think I had to have the spark at any particular age, I just think I had to have it. Later, after working for others, I came to appreciate a need to serve customers in a better way and bring innovation to what I did. I felt a strong need to do better work, solve challenges in better ways, and derive a satisfaction from doing work I really enjoyed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is about “Better Wayfinding”. We help people not get lost. The company name is Miller EG Design. The EG stands for Experiential Graphics. And Experiential Graphics is part of how we bring about “Better Wayfinding”. What sets us apart form others is being unique as one of the first companies to truly embrace an emerging science and burgeoning need for all companies involved in creating the built environment. Architects, contractors, developers and so many others are understanding that buildings and large campus complexes can be confusing and need “Better Wayfinding”. The success we have today is in large part due to commitments we make to our customers. We always try to over deliver what we promise. It is a key to doing things right. It has not been easy. Learning about business has been a challenge, but I try to keep improving my skills. I have a BFA with a major in Graphic Design. This did not equip me to run a business. I needed to learn about finance, operations, marketing and human resources. Many times I failed. I never gave up. I continue a process of life long learning. Along the way I have learned to keep learning, be true to my dream, try to be a good human being, be prepared to make tough decisions which sometimes may seem like you are not being nice. Miller EG Design has been in business for over 34 years. We have experience, a dedicated staff, and a commitment to getting things done accurately, on time and on budget. Our story includes constant innovation within a framework of excellence. We also do a great many ordinary things extraordinarily well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sharing activities and experiences with others my idea of fun. I love the outdoors and we are very fortunate here in the Atlanta area, and specifically in Acworth near where I live, to have access to some great places for activities. I enjoy the Silver Comet Trail for road biking and the Allatoona Trail head for trail biking. And both of these locations allow for hiking as well. I also like Red-top Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, and Pine Mountain for spectacular views, awesome fresh air, and adventurous trail experiences. Once you get out for activity, you get hungry. and we are also fortunate to have a lot of great restaurants to go to after a hike or bike. Henry’s in Acworth, the 1885 Grill, AG Steakhouse are all great options. And sometimes the best meal is one you prepare yourself. Grilling out is always on the agenda. Maybe we can share secrets about the best way to grill, the best prep, the best add on side dishes. What a joy it is to cook with friends! There are lot of places to see and experience like Gibbs Gardens, Civil War battle sites, I am a huge history fan, and museums like the Booth Museum in Cartersville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The community of support for success is broad and deep. It includes books, mentors, processes, meetings, and real world experience. The books I value are about management and how successful companies are run. These include my early reading of books by W. Edward Deming, and my current reading of books like “The Ideal Team Player” and “Critical Conversations”. I have sought many mentors over the years. These include some folks I simply asked for advice like architects, CPA’s, and attorneys. Today, I am fortunate to be exploring new areas with my coach Mr. Peter Faser. I am also a follower of Brandon Dawson and the 10X program which re-ignited my vision for the future of my business. I am also very grateful to my employees who help me understand the processes and procedures I try to undertake for the improvement and efficient running of the business. Without their feedback, I would not have the best path forward for refining these ideas. On a personal level, I am deeply grateful to my girlfriend Margaret who gives me a part of the spirit she has to take on the world. I also regularly meet with a community devoted to self improvement and supporting each other.

Website: https://www.milleregdesign.com

Instagram: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/milleregdesign/

Linkedin: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/miller-eg-design/

Twitter: Twitter – https://x.com/milleregdesign

Facebook: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MEGDfb

Yelp: Yelp – https://www.yelp.com/biz/miller-eg-design-acworth

Youtube: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@MillerEGDesign

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.