If a product could be sold, Craig Miller could surely sell it. During more than 40 years in sales, Miller sold everything from baby formula to personal computers.
“He even sold freight shipping space,” said his son, Brad Miller. “And when you think about that, it means he sold space.”
Craig Miller, admired by family and friends as a natural salesman, traded on trust more than anything, said his brother, Ron Miller.
“He knew the customers and they trusted him,” Brad Miller said. “And this was important when you are selling a product that is virtually unknown.”
The brothers Miller opened a computer sales business in 1978, offering what is now known as the desktop computer. When their store opened, the big machines were hardly a must-have item.
“But that didn’t matter,” said Jayne Belk, a former employee and business partner. “He could still sell whatever it was because he knew how to build relationships. He didn’t sell the product. He sold to the person.”
Craig Burdette Miller of Marietta, died March 23 of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 66.
The family plans to host a memorial gathering from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Georgian Club. West Georgia Crematory handled cremation arrangements.
Born in Memphis, Tenn., Miller graduated from high school and traveled across the state to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After graduation, his sales career immediately began in earnest, said his son, who lives in Smyrna. Miller and his wife, Janet, moved to Atlanta just before the Miller brothers opened their computer business.
“He not only knew business but he knew his customers,” Miller said of his father. “He knew the personal side, the human side of sales. I think that is a dying aspect of the business.”
After the brothers sold their computer company, he operated a group of GNC stores and a mail shipping business.
“He took an interest in anyone who walked into any one of his stores,” said Jack McGinnis, Miller’s friend and CPA. “All of his customers loved him and when they walked in, there would be a 5-10 minute conversation about whatever. That’s just the way he was.”
In addition to his son and brother, Miller is survived by his wife, Janet Miller, of Marietta; and one grandson.
About the Author
