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Dayton-area businessman Bill Miller is back with a new coffee shop. If you’re plugged into the culture of the Miami Valley, you know that Miller and his coffee endeavours have been a mainstay in this region for years now. He’s recently opened his newest coffee shop, Miller’s Grind, at West Social Tap & Table at 1100 West Third Street. I recently caught up with Miller and chopped it up (pun intended) with him about his latest venture.

Who is Bill Miller Jr., and what do you do?

“My name is Bill Miller Jr, and I am a serial entrepreneur, family man and an amputee.”

You are very well known in Dayton. Talk to me about your origins and history with the city.

“I grew up in West Dayton. My parents instilled in me that hard work will take you far in life. After attending Colonel White High School, I left to take my talents to NKU. I moved back to Dayton, after a few years, I worked as a manager at various retail companies around the city. Working my way up the corporate ladder. I held some high-profile positions and brought that experience back to Dayton. Eventually, my family decided to take that experience and pour it into something that we all knew about… COFFEE!”

You’ve been an entrepreneur for years. Tell me about your past endeavors.

“That list is too long! My first business was in 1999, an ecommerce company called 911CdCare.com. My first coffee shop was called Wired Cyber Café in 2001. Recently, I have taught my children the ins and outs of entrepreneurship. Helping them to take the family coffee business to the next level. Millers Grind and Brews is a family business completely run by my Wife (Sarah Miller) and my three kids. (Bill3, Kiarra and Olivia).”

You are re-opening your coffee shop Miller’s Grind in a new location. What’s the story behind this?

“Miller’s Grind and Brews is returning to West Dayton with a fresh start! The story behind this location is rooted in the desire to bring our signature blend of community and great coffee back to the vibrant Wright Dunbar District. After a brief closure to focus on a healthier lifestyle and fine-tune the menu, we wanted to come back to the West Social Tap and Table and offer our loyal customers a better coffee experience in the Dayton region.”

What started your love of coffee?

“My parents started us on this coffee journey when I was young. From the first sip I fell in love with coffee. I’ve passed that love and knowledge to my children that they will pass to their children.”

What are your future plans with Miller’s Grind?

“Speaking with my children about the future, they want to expand into franchising. Opening franchising opportunities will allow other families to achieve generational wealth.”

If you have any advice for aspiring business owners in the Miami Valley, what would it be?

“Where do I start? Never tell a small-minded person your big idea. Those people are dream killers. Move in silence as much as possible. Don’t tell anyone anything! RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.”

“You must take that leap of faith. It’s scary and the fear of failing will always be there. But if you don’t try, then you have already failed. We all fail, learn from it. I bet you won’t do it again.”