Brian Sudduth, President & CEO, Miller Construction Company
Invest: spoke to President and CEO of Miller Construction Company, Brian Sudduth, about its innovative strategies to ensure safety on construction sites, improve efficiencies, and maintain quality. “Many contractors say this, but we make it our single goal to truly walk the walk, not just talk about it,” he said.
What have been some of Miller Construction Company’s overall contributions to or impacts on the Greater Orlando area in the last few years?
We’ve had continued success. The Orlando market is relatively new for us, considering our 51 years in business. I grew up here, went to grade school and high school here, and my mom still lives here, so it’s great to be back. We’ve met new clients, completed new projects, and continued serving our existing clients in different parts of the state. Our team has grown significantly and stepped up in their capacities and leadership capabilities, which has been incredibly rewarding to see.
How has Miller Construction Company’s history shaped its evolution over the years?
It’s very simple. We always put our clients’ needs ahead of ours. We value non-adversarial, trusting relationships. When we find a client with those same values, it usually leads to a successful partnership. We always tell our team to sit on the client’s side of the table and aim to exceed their expectations on every project. Many contractors say this, but we make it our single goal to truly walk the walk, not just talk about it.
How does Miller Construction Company approach sustainability and environmental responsibility in its projects?
Sustainability is a constantly evolving bar. Ten years ago, LEED certification was a big focus, but today, we have many other metrics, such as embodied carbon of building materials. The state of Florida has advanced building codes that enhance energy efficiency, with improvements in LED lighting, insulation, and window glazing systems. In commercial construction, we still use a lot of concrete and steel, but we’re also exploring mass timber structures. Staying on the cutting edge in sustainability and environmental impact is challenging but essential for our industry.
What are some of the innovative technologies or methodologies that Miller Construction employs to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in construction?
The biggest change in technology has been the integration and acceptance of it at all levels in our organization. Our superintendents and workers use cloud-based applications on their phones and tablets, which streamline processes. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is no longer just a department but an ingrained part of our operations, from 3D modeling to 4D and 5D with estimating and scheduling. The widespread acceptance and use of technology across our industry enhances efficiency and quality.
AI is an amazing tool, whether it assists in writing emails or enhances concept design graphics. While we still have to build relationships, manage budgets, and manage every other aspect of construction, AI can be a great tool to help streamline these processes. As AI technology advances, it’s crucial to embrace it to stay competitive and efficient in our industry.
Safety is paramount. Everyone on the job site has a family, and we must ensure everyone goes home safely. It becomes part of the company culture, intertwined with quality and risk management. We continuously improve our practices, from doing mock-ups to preventing water intrusions. Safety, quality, and risk management are integral to our operations and company values.
Can you elaborate on Miller Construction’s industrial warehouse project in Orlando and the industrial park in Jacksonville?
We have multiple industrial projects underway in Central Florida, including a few warehouse projects in Orlando, several in the Tampa Market, and several in the Jacksonville area. Overall, we have close to 4 million square feet of industrial space under construction in Florida. The industrial market, particularly e-commerce and manufacturing, has thrived post-COVID. We were already positioned in this market, and the increased demand allowed us to capitalize on our expertise.
Given the economic climate and high interest rates, do you foresee a change in demand for build-to-suit projects? How do these projects factor into your long-term strategy?
It’s a great question. Besides high interest rates, there are other challenges like increased cap rates, stricter underwriting standards, and many more. Despite these headwinds, Florida remains an attractive market with a strong influx of people and money. While we chase more deals now due to economic factors, our backlog is strong, and 2024 looks to be a banner year. We remain optimistic, leveraging our location and client relationships to navigate these challenges and stay creative in making deals happen.
What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals, and what is your outlook?
Our outlook is strong. This year and 2025 are set to be great. Our long-term goal is to be the best option for our clients by focusing on being the best construction company we can be. We aim to provide the best working environment for our employees and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, designers, and inspectors. By concentrating on continuous improvement and excellence, everything else will fall into place.
