History

Our History: A Foundation of Friendship, Hard Work, and Trust

During summer vacations while in high school and college, lifelong friends Jack Miller and Jimmy Long worked for the same construction company, learning every aspect of the business in jobs ranging from laborer and carpenter helper to timekeeper and engineer.

After active military service in World War II, the young men returned home to Washington, D.C. Jack and Jimmy knew the field of construction was an opportunity for great success, so they decided to start a business of their own. With borrowed capital and a new Ford truck, a $50 investment in tools, and encouragement from their wives, Miller & Long Co., Inc. opened for business on February 1, 1947.

The early years challenged the partners to be flexible and innovative, working in the field by day and on bookkeeping, payroll, and estimating at night in the basements of their homes. At first, the business grew slowly but steadily. Miller & Long built a reputation for fair dealing with customers and delivering quality services on consistent and reliable schedules with no work stoppages.

Early projects included street and alley paving, sidewalks, stores and warehouses, as well as churches, schools, shopping centers, and small apartment developments. In 1957, the company moved into its first commercial space and hired its first employee to handle office duties.

Throughout the boom in high-rise construction in the 1960s, Miller & Long developed new methods and techniques that later became standard practices in the industry.

  • Miller & Long pioneered the use of electric-powered climber cranes and tall-tracked tower cranes that are in widespread use today.
  • Miller & Long was the first contractor to use high-speed conveyors to place concrete on high-rise buildings and the first in the Washington, D.C., area to use banding straps and clamps to reduce the cost of concrete column forms.
  • Miller & Long also introduced the use of large bins for hauling trash and construction debris away from job sites.

Combining expertise in concrete construction and experience with technological innovations, Miller & Long trained contractors and advised architects and engineers on projects that built the modern skylines of the greater Washington, D.C., area.

From the beginning, Jack Miller and Jimmy Long set the course for growth by giving their employees opportunities.

  • Miller & Long offered employees financial assistance with night school and was among the first companies in the industry to offer employee health insurance and profit-sharing plans.
  • By training and advancing employees from within the company, Miller & Long developed highly efficient management teams and skilled workers.

Today, our commitment to training, site management, innovation, quality craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service continues to set Miller & Long apart as an industry leader.

Remembering Our Founders

Jack Miller

December 27, 1921 – October 3, 2013

Jimmy Long

March 16, 1921 – April 13, 1977

Honoring The Second Generation

John McMahon, Co-Chairman Emeritus

With Miller & Long since 1963

Nick Paleologos, Co-Chairman Emeritus

With Miller & Long since 1957

Our History

Miller & Long has been serving the industry for 75 years.