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Our History

Our rich history has made us who we are! See how The Miller Group has grown to be one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the Midwest.

1961

Bob Miller Strikes Out on His Own

Bob Miller

1961

The Robert E. Miller Group officially opened for business on November 1, 1961, in the VFW building on Broadway near downtown Kansas City. The company consisted of Bob Miller and his wife, Carol Miller. 

Bob’s expertise was in property & casualty and surety bonds for companies in the construction industry. In the same year, he developed an education program for the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, a learning platform that is still in use today.

1974

Humble Beginnings

Having grown to about nine associates, Bob purchased a building to house the company. The value proposition, geared to contractors, focused on expert advice and unparalleled service.

  • The most coverage
  • The best price
  • Service directly focused on you and your company
  • A narrow industry focus that gives us depth and breadth of experience 
  • Tailored risk management
  • An unmatched ability to place tough surety bonds

Bob created more than just a business. He created a workplace culture that aligned with his strong personal beliefs and faith. God, family and country was the company mantra, and the company flourished.

1982-1986

Sean and Matt Miller Join Firm

Bob’s sons joined the firm, and the agency continued to grow and prosper.

They leaned on the values of God, family and country (which ultimately became community) as a moral compass.

1982

Founder Diagnosed with Cancer

Confident that his sons were prepared to lead the company, Bob sold the business to Sean and Matt so he could attend to more important matters (or, as he liked to say, so he could “study for the final exam”). Sean and Matt say they never had intentions of taking over the agency. Yet they quickly realized it was up to them to continue the family legacy.

Bob’s optimism and enthusiasm for life inspired all who worked for him and with him.

1993

Employee Benefits Division Begins

1993

In the early 90’s The Miller Group began providing employee benefits after partnering with a benefits specialty firm to provide healthcare coverage for clients.

The division of the company quickly grew and now represents more than half of the firm’s revenue.

1997

Nonprofit Division Launches

Harvesters, The Community Food Network, became our first nonprofit client. They remain with us today, along with close to 100 other nonprofits. Our commitment to our community and our understanding of the unique needs of nonprofits continue to fuel our dedication to serving the market.

1997

2006

Agency Revenue Passes $5 Million

2006

As opportunities in the employee benefits arena surfaced, the company purchased books of business from other agencies and brought on new clients and more associates. The benefits operating division jumped from less than one percent to more than 40 percent of total company revenue.

2010

C.O.R.E.

C.O.R.E. (Celebrating Our Religious Enthusiastically) grew out of a small golf event started by Bob and some friends in 1992, to raise awareness for vocations and to generate support for Conception Seminary College. Today, the event serves as a Priest Appreciation Day, generating financial support  and providing a well-deserved day of relaxation.  Over 300 priests and deacons participate, and annual funds raised exceed $100,000.

Bob’s impact lives on.

2010

2010

Bob Miller – Leaving a Legacy

2010

When Bob died in 2010, he left more than the company to the care of his sons. He challenged them to take over two nonprofits he was passionate about. With a group of Kansas City businessmen, Bob founded a nonprofit called Homes from the Heart, dedicated to providing sustainable communities in Central America and Haiti. Since its inception in 2001, Homes for the Heart has built over 140 homes in Haiti and 500 homes in El Salvador, as well as community centers, schools and playgrounds. 

2012

Private Risk Management Division Launches

2012

The Miller Group launched a Private Risk Management division under the leadership of Amber Miller Manning, the first Miller family member of the third generation.

2016

Agency Revenue Passes $10 Million

2016

The Miller Group staff grew to over 50 employees and total revenue surpassed the $10,000,000 mark. Positioning the company as one of the 12 largest in the city.

2017

Business Philanthropist of the Year  

Nonprofit Connect named The Miller Group as Business Philanthropist of the Year.  No other award would have pleased Bob Miller more than this one. This award honored our commitment to serving others, our pledge to give at least 10 percent of annual profits to area nonprofits, and our employees’ participation in volunteer work.

2017

2017-2022

Creating a Company Culture 

In 2017, The Miller Group began earning a series of awards recognizing the positive workplace environment that had been created for associates. In addition to the purpose and values that guide us, the company offers the right resources, fair pay and benefits that meet associates families’ needs.

  • Best Companies to Work For by Ingrams (2017, 2022)
  • Healthiest Places to Work by the Business Journal (2018-2023)
  • Best Places to Work by the Kansas City Business Journal (2017, 2019-2023)

2019

Ownership Transition to Third Miller Generation

2019

Drawing on the strengths and interests of Sean and Matt’s children, the company continued its commitment to family ownership and perpetuating the values that Bob Miller established for the company. A slow, intentional transition to the next generation was set in motion.

January, 2021

Growth Into New States

After 60 years in Kansas City, The Miller Group began hiring advisors in Dallas, TX and the Rocky Mountain Region. This growth helps ensure the company’s plan to remain viable and family owned, while so many other insurance companies are merging.

2021

January, 2023

Leading the Future

2023

This agency has placed God, family and community first since its founding by Bob Miller. We believe that the best way to protect his legacy is by continuing as a family-owned business. To this end, our ten-year leadership perpetuation plan has eased the transition into Miller’s third generation. On January 1, 2023, the company officially transferred leadership to the third generation of Millers, with Amber Miller Manning transitioning to CEO.