As we approach the first anniversary of the passing of our CEO and co-founder, Ted Steven Miller, and as the annual METALCON International trade show soon takes place, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at some of Ted’s thoughts on our industry, and specifically, METALCON.
One of Ted’s favorite expressions was, “The odds of every great idea coming from 7948 Second Flag Drive [the address of The Miller-Clapperton Partnership Inc.] are slim.” Ted believed very much in the power of face-to-face interaction and truly enjoyed going to trade shows to see what new products were out and where the metal construction industry was heading. It was usually after regular show hours, at receptions and cocktail parties and dinners, where he felt he gained the most knowledge. He always returned to the office full of enthusiasm after a show and would plunge back into his work with great resolve.
It wasn’t just about gaining knowledge or leads at trade shows for Ted. He placed a very high value on giving back to the industry and did this by serving on the board of the Metal Construction Association for many years. He also chaired a committee to establish the Premium MCM Fabricator Certification. Ted’s serving in these roles was not easily quantified in regards to our bottom line, but he did not want to just take from an industry that had provided him so much.
Ted was a charming man, full of charisma, and people were naturally drawn to him at industry events. In this age of Linked-In, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail and other assorted means of business communication, I encourage you to follow the lead of an industry icon, who was taken from us too soon, and get out and interact with suppliers, vendors, customers and even competitors. One of the true testaments to how highly people thought of Ted were the calls, e-mails and letters that came in after his passing from our competitors. Ted Miller was a great man and those of us in the metal construction industry who were lucky to have known him can testify to that. May he rest in peace.
Scott Stafford is the head estimator at The Miller- Clapperton Partnership Inc. in Austell, Ga. For more information, visit www.millerclapperton.com.