Casual industry veteran Ed Miller dies
Others recall his leadership skills
-- Casual Living, 3/23/2010 2:20:00 PM
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Family and friends gathered Tuesday night in Columbia City, Ind., to honor casual furniture industry executive Edward J. Miller, 69, who died March 18.
Miller was remembered as a gentleman who influenced and mentored others in the industry through his leadership skills, focus on excellence and honesty.
While serving as a U.S. Marine Corp helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Miller attained the rank of captain. After he was honorably discharged in December 1967, Miller joined Scott Paper Company as a brand sales manager. In 1969, Scott Paper bought Brown Jordan Co., and Miller was asked to move to Los Angeles in 1972 to assume the position of vice president, sales and marketing.
For the next 14 years, Miller became one of the most respected marketing executives in the casual furniture industry. He assembled a sales, marketing and design team that was second to none, an industry veteran recalled. Under his leadership, Brown Jordan’s aluminum and wicker/rattan divisions flourished, experiencing no less than double digit growth for 10 years and winning international recognition.
After Scott Paper sold Brown Jordan in 1984, Miller joined Woodard as vice president of sales and marketing. Miller was instrumental in expansion of Woodard’s tubular aluminum business and development of a new cast aluminum category, which complemented Woodard's international recognition as a leading manufacturer of wrought iron and steel outdoor furniture.
In 1987, Miller established his own company, Ed Miller Associates, where he represented the top casual furniture lines until his retirement in 2006. Companies he represented included Brown Jordan, O'Asian Designs/WeatherCraft and Acacia Home & Garden. At the end of his career, he also represented Pride Family Brands.
Preferred memorials are to Humane Society of Whitley County or Parkview Home Health and Hospice.
For a full obituary, visit http://www.funeralplan.com/smithandsonsfuneralhome.com/obitd?id+193963.
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