[ business ]
Young Guns
Chris Miller the way marketing reaches and interacts with them .
“ Seeing this trend , I put together a team of uniquely talented marketing minds from right here in the tri-state area ,” says Miller . “ We believe through behavioral economics , data mining , scalpel-like campaign strategies and strong creative , we can affect decision making and , even more importantly , assist people in discovering options they didn ’ t even realize existed . It ’ s an exciting time in the advertising world , and as someone who has always relied heavily on reach , frequency
MAGGIE HATFIELD MARK WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY
with the right skill sets to be effective in this new normal ,” says Miller .
Miller ’ s commitment to Huntington extends into other avenues as well . He was appointed to the Marshall University board of governors in 2019 and also serves as chairman of its athletic committee . To have Marshall reach its full potential in athletics , Miller wants to start with getting fans in the stands .
“ We have well-funded programs focused on winning with direct ties and connections to the community that supports it ,” he says . “ It was an honor to be part of hiring Coach Charles Huff at Marshall University , and it is an experience I will
“ West Virginia is home to the kindest , most caring and wholesome people on planet earth . That ’ s hands down the best part of this state .”
Since receiving the title of Young Gun , Chris Miller , president of Dutch Miller Automotive , hasn ’ t slowed down . While he still serves in the capacity of president , his automotive empire has grown tenfold . Dutch Miller Automotive has opened new dealerships in West Virginia and North Carolina , adding more than 300 jobs right here in the Mountain State alone . Miller is not only dedicated to moving West Virginia forward through his businesses , he is also serving in other capacities to better this state and its people .
Miller also serves in the role of principal partner in a new company called Stream Scape , which he founded alongside Matt White , Dan Greider and Wes Thompson . As COVID-19 spread through the country , it was clear to Miller that there would be changes in what the new normal was going to be . He acknowledged that as consumer behaviors changed , so would and off-the-wall creative as a method of delivering my company ’ s message , it only makes sense that I ’ d be drawn to stay in front of the learning curve .”
Stream Scape has accepted the honor to play a key role in Huntington ’ s COVID-19 Digital Media Action Plan , which intends to use the pandemic as an incentive for people to move to the Jewel City .
“ Young professionals , entrepreneurs , retirees , veterans and many others are seeing increased benefit in moving out of large metropolitan areas ,” says Miller . “ Whether it is cost of living , crime , mental health or simply wanting a change of scenery , with more and more people working from home , a place like West Virginia can be attractive and more than just a tourist destination .”
With Governor Jim Justice ’ s recent commitment of a billion-dollar investment in high-speed broadband across the state , West Virginia is now an option , especially for younger generations that are building businesses through the web .
“ In fact , the three marketers brought into Stream Scape all represent their own fully functioning agencies with no brick and mortar , so we have a special group remember for the rest of my life . Coach Huff will provide a bolt of lightning to Marshall ’ s program by creating a wellorganized system with on-field excitement that will grow attendance , which grows revenue , budget , opportunities and student interest .”
Miller was born and raised in Huntington , so seeing the city embracing possibilities to thrive makes him proud .
“ I see all the potential Huntington has to be even better ,” he says . “ I also see the positive steps being taken every day not just by our local government but by private citizens that step up constantly to make our community a better , cleaner and more productive place to live . Sure , we have some uphill battles to climb like so many small towns do , but I sincerely believe the people of Huntington and the surrounding areas have the ideas , spirit and backbone to pull it off .”
The people of the Mountain State are what makes it home to Miller and he can ’ t imagine living anywhere else .
“ West Virginia is home to the kindest , most caring and wholesome people on planet earth . That ’ s hands down the best part of this state ,” he says . •
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE