Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Miller.
Hi Ivan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My first experience as a Landscaper was during one summer in Montana. I had grown up on a farm and had experience working with several different types of equipment similar to landscaping. However, it wasn’t until 1998 in Billings, Montana, that I started working as a Landscaper for a local nursery. It was some of the hardest work I had ever done. A short time later, I enlisted in the Army and went on to be a Lieutenant Colonel. I had already served 6 years in the Marine Corps, and I felt, at the time, that the Army might be able to provide me with some new opportunities. After 24 years in the Army, I retired. At the time, I was not considering a career in landscaping. The pastor at my church gave me some advice on a potential new pathway forward. I have always felt a strong pull to my faith, and (after a lot of praying) I took the plunge. I started in May 2024, which is kind of late in the season; most landscaping and lawn maintenance starts in March, and starting in May meant that most people have already selected their lawn care company. Regardless, I was successful with some help from the all-mighty and those around me. At the end of my second year, I doubled the revenue of my first year, and I am looking to expand into other areas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say that it was smooth sailing from the time I started. I had more than one obstacle. The largest was learning the business side of landscaping and lawn maintenance. Also, the learning curve for landscaping in Texas versus Montana was pretty large, but I still had the basics. Also, I am not from San Antonio, so I did not have a large group of people to provide me with business connections. But the biggest challenge I faced was my marriage ending after 20 years, and the subsequent child custody arbitration. But after all the struggles and challenges, I am now transitioning from surviving to thriving and growing. If you aren’t a person of faith, try opening a small business… you soon will be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Miller Mowing and Maintenance is a complete lawn care and landscaping company. We do everything to help you with your outdoor experience. We trim trees and bushes, take care of your lawn, and repair your sprinkler system if there is an issue. We clean up leaves and help with weed removal and prevention. We also do fertilizer applications. We are also one of the few in the area that can help with your pond maintenance.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Well, I have to say right out of the gate that I have no illusions about God’s involvement in my success; I know a lot of people say that, but people need to start to ask why other people are always saying that. The rest of the list is too long to put here and includes clients, co-workers, and advisors. The people at Power Force Network and Elite Home Services definitely deserve some credit for a variety of reasons. My pastor introduced me to Champ Cepeda, who then pulled me into Power Force. When I joined the group was still kind of small, but now we have so many members that I am always running into someone new. Not only did they give me a lot of support early on but they also sent new clients my way. But the two people I owe the most to are my daughters. They have given me a lot of strength to continue on in spite of the challenges I face. I owe them a lot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yardcaresanantonio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millermowing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558009651622
