Miller’s Building Supply helps people get the supplies they need to build homes and other structures. But, the business itself is what feels like home to employees.
That sense of belonging is what Ben Carowan felt as soon as he stepped foot in Miller’s Building Supply for a job interview. Now, five years in, he has a hard time seeing a future where he’s not with the company.
“I love my job,” Carowan, who makes inside sales and previously managed U-Haul rentals, says. “It's the first job I’ve had in my life where I enjoy getting up and coming to work. My wife and I have talked many times about how it’s been a blessing for our family.”
A FLEXIBLE AND FAMILY-ORIENTED CULTURE
Miller’s Building Supply was founded in 1982 by Amos J. Miller. It’s still a family-run business that’s now being managed by the second generation. Through the decades, it’s remained a place where family is valued.
Carowan still remembers his job interview with Doug Stuckey, Miller’s Building Supply’s chief operating officer. His interview lasted almost two hours because they talked about so many things.
“It felt like home immediately, as soon as I walked in and started to talk to Doug,” Carowan says. “It just felt like it was the right fit. Even though I didn't have any construction experience, it just felt like it was a place that I would want to work for. They're very family-oriented.”
He remembers Doug telling him: “When you have kids, you will never miss a game, a practice, anything that your kids have going on because of work.”
That meant a lot to Carowan, who has a five-year-old daughter and twin, three-year-old boys.
It was the right opportunity at the right time. The flexibility of working at Miller’s Building Supply is something Carowan appreciates. It’s not a big deal to step out for an appointment or to run home if something comes up. He says everyone is understanding of that, and the work always gets done.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A REWARDING CAREER
Carowan went to school to be a teacher and taught middle school science before switching career paths to sales.
“I got into sales because I just enjoy talking to people and enjoy helping people try to figure out what they need and what they want,” he says. “Every day is a new challenge. I'm learning something constantly here at this job.”
No two workdays are the same for Carowan — it just depends on what the day brings.
“Some days I don't really move from my seat where I'm answering phone calls and taking orders,” he says. “And there are some days where I'm outside all day helping unload trucks, helping check in trucks, doing outside inventory, or something like that.”
Working in sales is about being flexible and making sure you’re constantly learning, he says. If he notices himself becoming stagnant, he continues to better himself by studying things he may not know about. His ultimate goal is to be as personable and helpful as he can be.
The job isn’t just about the sale, it’s about getting to know people so they’ll be more willing to come to you when they need something, he says.
“The most rewarding part is just knowing that you gave someone good service, that you tried to go above and beyond what your typical store would,” Carowan says. “You took the time to talk with them and get to know who they are and a little bit about them.”
START YOUR CAREER WITH A COMPANY THAT CARES
“It's just like a big family,” Carowan says of Miller’s Building Supply. “It's a small company and for the most part, everybody gets along. You know, everybody has their disagreements, but the atmosphere is fun and we also like to work hard, too.”
To start your career at Miller’s Building Supply, visit our careers page to learn about the positions we have available. Or, stop by and see us at 1819 East Monroe Street in Goshen, Indiana, to experience how we make service our priority.