Published: May 23rd, 2012
Born and raised in Lakeland, Corey Miller never strayed far from his stomping grounds. He attended the University of Florida and got a degree in Building Construction, appropriately paving the path for his career. “My dad was in development and I’ve always been around it,” Corey professed. “I ended up pursuing education in it and I really fell in love with it.”
Before becoming independent with his own business, Corey found himself working for a contracting company in Sarasota. In 2002, he set out on his own, establishing Miller Construction Company.
Miller Construction predominantly deals with commercial construction, such as financial institutions, apartment complexes, offices, and medical buildings. The company prides itself on being a locally owned business with an in-house accounting and management team, as well as a strong commitment to the community.
Although Miller Construction is licensed to work anywhere in Florida, Corey chose to keep his headquarters in downtown Lakeland. His modern styled business office, located on Massachusetts, was once a gas station before the construction company worked its own magic. “We love downtown Lakeland. We walk to lunch. We used to walk to the bank when it was close. We love it. It’s great.”
Corey says that the best part of his job is seeing the end product. “I love construction. You have a tangible thing at the end of the day and you can say, ‘I did that,’” Corey revealed. “I enjoy it, it’s great.”
Corey has been purchasing his company’s work vehicles from Bartow Ford Company since 2006. “I know Mike Bedenbaugh, so that’s what really put me with Bartow Ford,” Corey said.
“Buying a vehicle should be a fun and exciting experience because it isn’t something you do very often,” Mike commented. “We believe that if we make your purchase easy and fun, it will be the start of a relationship for all of your vehicle needs.”
Miller Construction has purchased two F-650 flat beds and two F-150’s from Bartow Ford Company, and when we asked how he felt about his experience, Corey replied, “They make it as enjoyable as car buying can be. That’s really what I look for. I think I got a fair deal, I didn’t have to go haggle, and I didn’t go back and forth once I got there. We appreciate you guys.”
and loved ones pass away. What starts out as construction supplies transforms into a home. 
Parade of Homes. “Winning the quality award repeatedly has been our biggest achievement.”
Matt Wilt has purchased seven vehicles from Bartow Ford, and he is currently driving an F-250- King Ranch. “One of the key things about this truck is the 20 inch wheels and the curb appeal.” He elaborated on his key experiences with Bartow Ford, “I’ve really had a great relationship with Bartow Ford. I’ve been buying vehicles from them for 19 years now. Our industry is so demanding that I just don’t have the time to sit down and try to do negotiations with sales people, or take my vehicle to the dealership for service. Bartow Ford has really catered to my needs, from Mike Bedenbaugh giving me the bottom line on a vehicle, down to the service aspect. They accommodate my needs and will send someone to come get my vehicle and bring it back to me, just because I don’t have the time. You really appreciate going to a business that shares the same ethics as you.”