by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Driving around Ortega or Avondale, one can find a common theme among many of the areas’ homes for sale. Signs for two local real estate firms, the independent Fred Miller Group and franchise-based Re/Max Specialists tend to dominate the market.
At first glance, the two agencies might seem to be different in structure and style, but they do have similarities and a common bond between them.
Nathan Miller, broker and manager of the Re/Max Specialists office at 4000 St. Johns Avenue, has a firsthand relationship between the two real estate companies.
His father is Fred Miller, owner of the aforementioned Fred Miller Group, while his in-laws – Bob and Ann McAfee – are owners of the area’s Re/Max Specialists office.
“Yeah, it’s kind of a unique situation,” said a smiling Nathan Miller, “but everyone has been great and extremely supportive.”
Miller joined Re/Max Specialists about four years ago after several years spent as a builder and site agent for the real estate development firm, Arvida.
It was just a different type of opportunity, he said. Working with his wife Kat’s parents was just an added element – and his father doesn’t disagree with the decision at all.
“I’m extremely proud of Nathan and all my sons,” said Fred Miller. “I don’t think he (Nathan) could have made a bad decision.”
Miller’s other two sons also have taken roles within the company. Ted, the oldest, serves as president of Fred Miller Group, while youngest son Matthew has his real estate license but recently cut back on the business. Even though Nathan works for the (friendly) competition, he has nothing but kind words.
“They’re (the McAfees) wonderful people and Ann is one of the finest ladies I know,” said Fred Miller. “It just so happens they are in the real estate business, too.”
Family gatherings – though not often enough, both Fred and Nathan Miller opined – aren’t filled with real estate transactions or state-of-the-business news. In fact, business never enters the conversation, even in a joking manner.
“Honestly, we don’t bring it up,” said Nathan Miller, who noted both the professional respect and legal ramifications such conversations could have. “That’s one of the things we don’t do together.”
But the two real estate families do many other things together with many activities revolving around numerous grandchildren and church outings.
“We have a close family relationship with all the Millers,” said Ann McAfee, “And we all see each other a lot.”
McAfee is thrilled to have Nathan as a son-in-law and also in a working business capacity, noting his passion for the business, accomplishments and future for the Re/Max office’s growth.
But she does appreciate the uniqueness in Nathan’s situation.
“He has great character. Kat couldn’t have done better,” said McAfee. “The entire situation is interesting, though, but it’s not bad for anyone.”
And when it comes to advice on anything, Nathan Miller said he knows he can always turn to his father.
“I feel like I could go to him for any problem I have.”
The two, along with the rest of the Miller boys, try to get away from the business life and plan trips revolving around some of their favorite outdoor activities: hunting and fishing.
The hardest part is finding a good time for everyone.
“We can talk about going fishing on a weekend, but then there’s something at 8 a.m., a softball game at 11 a.m. and other things, so it’s like ‘Well maybe we can get out there at 2 a.m.,” joked Fred Miller. “Getting everyone’s schedule together is the hardest part.”
As for Fred and Nathan Miller along with Ann McAfee, they try to get together once a month at an institution in the area of town where they all do business: the lunch counter at Carter’s Pharmacy off Corinthian Avenue.
“I’m over there almost every day but we do it maybe once a month,” said Fred Miller. “It’s all about the schedules, though.”
Like the many meals he’s eaten at Carter’s, Fred Miller believes his son’s work and family decisions made over the years and their results have turned out pretty well, too.
“I don’t think it could have worked out any better for both parties.”
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