Our History

Fred H. Miller was born in Scheissenghausen, Neinburg, Germany in 1857 and moved to American in 1874 at the age of 17. He located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and there, he learned the carpentry trade. Fred’s eldest son, Wilhelm Miller, also chose carpentry and contracting as his trade. Wilhelm’s work was primarily remodeling and specialty work, known as barn straightening and repair for farm buildings.

From 1900-1930, Woilhelm continued with farm building repair and construction and barn straightening. He ventured into worship construction some time in 1916.

Wilhelm’s eldest son, Albert “Al” Miller, joined him in the trade.

Albert F. Miller expanded the business in farm repair and new farm construction, working in areas of North and South Dakota and Minnesota. Albert proceeded to expand the business into residential and commercial remodeling.

Albert unexpectedly passed away, and the business was taken over by his wife and eldest son, James “Jim” W. Miller. A year later, Jim Miller purchased the business from his mother and continued with farm construction. A short time later, he started to build new homes, residential remodeling work, and construction work.

A division was added to the company too construct pre-engineered steel buildings and pursue commercial and industrial building.

Miller Lumber and Supply was formed to sell retail construction materials.

Miller Lumber and Supply became Miller Home Improvement Center.

The Real Estate Division was formed. In the same year, Tim and Dan Miller started working with their father, Jim Miller.

Miller purchased Penalt & Truzinski Architects to provide design-build services. In the same year, the Wausau Department was formed to market factory build homes.

The company expanded into multiple dwelling construction (apartments) as a separate division.

The company expanded in motel building and management as a separate division. Prime Rate Inc. formed, which was a franchised motel chain that Miller built and managed.

Tim and Dan Miller purchased the construction and architectural business from their father Jim Miller. To this day, Jim Miller still owns and runs Miller Properties and Investments.

Dan Miller partnered in ownership with Joe Seifert (President) and Dave TeBrake (Executive Vice President)—two long-standing employees.

Miller Architects & Builders continues to expand in the Midwest with design and construction for funeral homes, worship facilities, senior health care, hotels, manufacturing/industrial, commercial/retail, and multi-family projects. Miller Architecture Inc. is growing with expansion into municipal and educational facilities.

Brad Torok, AIA, Director of Architecture, joined the ownership of Miller Architects & Builders along with Dan Miller, Joe Seifert, and Dave TeBrake. Brad has been employed with Miller since 1992.

Chris Hogan, AIA, LEED AP, CID, Architect, and Jesse Brenny, Development Consultant/Project Manager joined the ownership team of Miller Architects & Builders along with Dan Miller, CEO, Joe Seifert, President, Dave TeBrake, Executive Vice President, and Brad Torok, Director of Architecture. Chris has been employed with Miller since 2010 as an architect. Jesse has been with Miller since 2003. Jesse started as a Carpenter, was later promoted to Project Superintendent, then to Project Manager, and now to Development Consultant/Project Manager.