Self-employment was always intriguing to Eric Miller and in 2019, he took the leap and started Miller Public Relations. With decades of experience in tourism and a love of the history and people of the Texas Panhandle, Eric works with other local businesses that want to highlight their uniqueness and reach travelers. He's been involved with some of the area's most successful businesses in our booming tourism industry.

 

Always the optimist, Eric's ability to see through adversity carried him through 2020 when many of his own clients were unable to operate during the pandemic. While many were spending their quarantine time catching up on the latest series on Netflix, Eric decided that it was the perfect time to write a book! Calling on his love of all things Texas and first-hand experience at events and attractions across the Panhandle, 100 Things to Do in Amarillo Before You Die will be available for purchase on September 15th! You can buy from most major book retailers, his publisher, or get a signed copy from Eric himself at one of the many area book signings he will be doing this fall.

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We caught up with Eric and asked him a few questions about business and life...

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• What inspired you to pursue small business? 
  Necessity is the mother of invention, sort of. After making a mid-life career change, I had to consider some options. One was self-employment.  

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• What advice do you have for others who are thinking about opening a small business? 
  It’s a roller coaster. My first year was good working with a regional travel publication but the next year was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

• How did the SBDC assist you with your business? 
  They have provided lots of assistance, from helping with the original filings and paperwork to providing regular in-person and webinar/ZOOM meetings to offering up-to-the-minute ideas. Best thing is that they have always been friends. 

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• What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced? 
  Staying motivated. It’s so easy to let time slip away working out of the house. 

 

• What accomplishment are you most proud of in your business? 
  It is the publication of my first book, 100 Things to Do in Amarillo Before You Die. It combines my local knowledge with my love of Amarillo. 

 

• What is most unique about your business? 
  Hopefully, my friendliness! It’s true and genuine.

 

And a few fun questions! 

 

• What are three things you cannot live without? 
  1. My wife 
  2. Iced tea (mint, unsweet) 
  3. Travel...I love it when I can combine all three.

 

• What fictional character would you most want to be and why? 
  Someone involved with settling the West. I would love to think that I could have been one of those independent people. 
   

• Do you believe in ghosts? 
  Yes (ask me about working in Amarillo’s Bivins Mansion). I also believe life exists elsewhere in the universe. The latter surprised my wife.