Morris Miller and his eldest son Meyer expand upon their local carpentry business and establish M. Miller and Son, a fire rebuilding and construction company based in Newark, New Jersey. Jack Miller, Meyer's younger brother, joins the business as a junior carpenter.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as the beginning of the Great Depression, is kicked off by a major stock market crash. It becomes a decade of depression where the economy is sinking and business opportunities for M. Miller and Son are difficult to come by. During this time period, people do not have disposable income for home improvements and the carpentry and building industry suffers.

Post World War II, the country experiences an economic rebirth and expansion. Eddie Miller, younger brother of Jack, joins the family business. The carpentry and remodeling business grows throughout Essex County. During this period, M. Miller and Son built a excellent reputation within the community as fair and honest construction workers.

Once M. Miller and Son rebrands itself as a Public Adjusting company, the office relocates to Clinton Avenue in Newark. These are considered the “early days'' of public adjusting where the average loss totals between $1K - $5K. Jerry adjusts the losses and Jack makes the repairs. During this time the office staff expands, and M. Miller and Son experiences an era of tremendous growth with a sterling business reputation.

The 1967 Newark riots is one of 159 race riots that arose throughout the United States during the "Long Hot Summer of 1967". This riot occurred between July 12 and July 17, 1967. Over the four days of rioting, looting, and property destruction, 26 people die, and hundreds are injured. Much of the central ward of the city is destroyed by fire. M. Miller and Son helps homeowners and commercial business owners rebuild their lives from the ground up.

During this tumultuous time, local business owners line up outside the M. Miller and Son office on Clinton Avenue, waiting to speak with an adjuster. Most of these clients are small Mom and Pop retail establishments.

The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) was established in 1951 to promote a higher standard for policyholder advocacy. NAPIA members are Public Insurance Adjusters, who act in accordance with a strict code of ethics. Jerry is inducted into NAPIA in 1969 and since then, each and every M. Miller and Son adjuster is a member of this prestigious organization.

The company grows exponentially and Jerry’s sister Marilyn joins the firm as an office manager and bookkeeper. Marilyn’s role is instrumental in the growth of the company as she provides customer support, managing administrative personnel and helping to keep the business running smoothly.

As the business expands it is clear that the company needs more office space. The office is moved from Newark to 1250 Liberty Avenue, Hillside, New Jersey. However, this move is short lived. Within the year, a larger, 2-story office space becomes available directly across the street. It is time once again to repack the moving boxes, this time for the last time.

After the interim move to 1250 Liberty Avenue in Hillside, the office moves to the location where it remains today, 1211 Liberty Avenue. This new space offers expansion opportunities. M. Miller and Son grows to 18 employees and broadens their reach by servicing claims outside of the city of Newark and Essex County to include the entire tri-state area.

M. Miller and Son sustains a big win for the residents of Irvington when the Irvington Town Council votes to accept the negotiated settlement for damages sustained in a fire at the Community Building.

Twenty-four people are injured, four of them critically, as a result of an explosion in a chemical and asphalt plant in Perth Amboy. M. Miller and Son are instrumental in helping the owners of the plant rebuild the lives of their injured employees and restore their business.

As their business grows so do the types of losses M. Miller and Son manage. During the 1960’s, M. Miller and Son worked almost exclusively with small business owners. After the Newark Riots of 1967, the client list expanded to include larger businesses, including manufacturing, industrial sites, garden apartments and condominium communities. To this day, the company continues to work with third and fourth generation client owned businesses, once handled by Jerry and Jack.

Gary, Marilyn’s son, joins the firm after graduating Union High School. Growing up in the family business, Gary is a natural fit to join the M. Miller and Son team. Gary serves as a data associate and provides construction, inventory, and data processing expertise.

Jerry introduces Frank Sinatra at The Jewish Federation of Central NJ event held at Resorts International Hotel. Federation is a Jewish nonprofit organization found within most metropolitan areas in North America. Their purpose is to provide "human services" to the local Jewish community.

Michael Borgo joins M. Miller and Son as an inventory specialist. As a licensed public adjuster and loss consultant, Michael successfully adjusts thousands of buildings, personal property, business interruption, and other types of claims that arise from catastrophic events.

Michael, son of Jerry, begins working for M. Miller and Son as a salesman and adjuster. Michael personally takes part in adjusting countless catastrophic claims during Hurricane Andrew in Florida, Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in the Caribbean, and Hurricane Georges and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Michael is a Principal of M. Miller and Son, in addition to being a general property adjuster and loss consultant for the firm.

While attending the annual NAPIA convention, Jerry is asked to sit for the newly established SPPA exam. The SPPA designation distinguishes its members as a highly skilled professional, possessing the competence and relevant knowledge necessary to succeed as a Public Adjuster. Jerry is part of the original group of NAPIA members to receive their SPPA designation.

Robert Miller, son of Jerry, begins working for M. Miller and Son as an estimator and coordinator of emergency services. Robert, like his grandfather Jack, worked in the construction industry. His experience as a general contractor renovating apartment complexes and restoring fire and water damaged properties, is instrumental for the company. Robert’s background makes him a highly effective building damage consultant and property loss adjuster.

Bruce serves as the firm's Data Manager. His area of expertise is computer operations. Bruce was a member of the United States Navy, attended college then joined the Miller team.

Barry, son of Jerry Miller, joins the firm as in-house counsel. Barry practices insurance litigation and real estate law on behalf of M. Miller and Son clients. As is the nature of the business, there are instances where the insurance company does not cooperate, and in some cases, denies insurance coverage. Barry rounds out the Miller team by providing clients with legal defense while demanding accountability from the insurance company.

The torch is passed as Michael, a fourth generation Miller, takes on a leadership role as a co-principal within the company. Then as now, Michael continues to be instrumental in growing the firm’s business serving clients throughout the tri-state area. Through the years, Michael was the president of NJPAA (New Jersey Public Adjusters Association) and a two-time member of the board of directors for NAPIA.

Michael Borgo is appointed co-principal of the company. Michael, who started with the firm as an inventory specialist and grew through the ranks of the organization, is integral in the expansion and success of the company. Along with memberships in both NAPIA and NJPAA, Michael Borgo specializes in disputed insurance claims and is appointed as an appraiser and umpire for numerous insurance appraisal proceedings.

Ofelia joins the firm to oversee operations and office services in addition to helping Marilyn Miller with bookkeeping. In 1994, Ofelia became a licensed public adjuster playing a key role at M. Miller and Son in the adjustment process of claims. She also serves as a liaison with attorneys, mortgage specialists, and insurance company personnel.

M. Miller and Son joins forces with affiliated NAPIA adjusters in Florida to help those affected by this catastrophic, Category 5 storm. It is M. Miller and Son’s first foray dealing with weather related losses outside of the tri-state area.

As an Information Technician, John is responsible for acquiring and retaining essential data, including maintaining records in the firm’s computer database and monitoring daily field activity.

Natasha serves as Executive Assistant to Robert Miller and handles all executive-level administrative functions for the firm. Natasha has been a licensed public adjuster in New Jersey since 1994. In addition to being responsible for establishing and maintaining claim files, she plays a critical role in the adjustment process of claims.

After 35 years building and defining the public adjusting business, Jerry retires. He knows the company is in good hands with Michael Miller, Michael Borgo, Robert Miller and Barry Miller at the helm. During this year, two more named storms, Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn hit the Caribbean. Once again, M. Miller and Son teams with other NAPIA affiliated firms in the region adjusting commercial, hospitality and multi-family structures in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Spearheaded by Robert Miller, M. Miller and Son opens their Puerto Rico office, assisting commercial and habitational property owners with their claims after Hurricane Georges, a Category 3 storm.

Hurricane Floyd strikes North Carolina and moves up the East Coast of the United States, enveloping much of the Jersey Shore with torrential rains. Ahead of the storm, the National Hurricane Center issues hurricane and tropical storm warnings for the coastline. New Jersey, however, was in the midst of the state's fourth-worst drought in a century. Hurricane Floyd ravaged rivers and streams causing record flooding throughout the state.

M. Miller and Son is recognized by the Hillside Fire Department for their donation of a thermal imaging camera, a specialized camera used by firefighters that renders infrared radiation as visible light. Such cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers.

From father to son and generation to generation, M. Miller and Son celebrates 40 years in business. What began as a carpentry and remodeling repair business transforms into a public adjusting firm, advocates for the policyholder. As pioneers in the industry, M. Miller and Son helped create the groundwork and foundation of the public adjusting profession. The firm prides themselves for bringing a sense of legitimacy to the industry while helping policyholders recover from disaster.

Mayor James commemorates the firm's 40th anniversary in business by presenting a proclamation to Jerry Miller. The Mayor opens the ceremony by recounting a fire loss he personally suffered while a councilman, and he praises the efforts of Jerry and the entire M. Miller and Son team for their outstanding disaster recovery assistance to the community.

In his letter of recognition, Mayor James states, “it is an honor to recognize such a sincere and distinguished company, marked by a father who is passing the torch to his sons.”

Michael serves for two, three-year terms on the NAPIA board. Michael assists the association with setting policy and providing oversight for all NAPIA programs and activities.

Jeff’s many years of experience as a public adjuster for residential, commercial, and industrial property losses have enabled him to successfully negotiate positive outcomes for the firm’s clients, with claims ranging from the conventional to the highly intricate. Jeff is a member of NAPIA and NJPAA. He is an active participant in NAPIA's continuing education program, in addition to being a regular participant at industry conventions.

Maria provides office administration support. In addition to fielding all incoming calls and handling correspondence, she is responsible for maintaining claims-documentation files, inventory of supplies, and scheduling appointments for the firm’s executives and staff. Maria also serves as a customer service specialist for M. Miller and Son, liaising with existing and prospective clients.

One year after the tragic events of 9/11, the community and country are still in mourning. Helping to promote a sense of healing in the community, M. Miller and Son support the Elizabeth, New Jersey Fire Department as they participate in the City of Elizabeth's Centennial Parade; marking 100 Years of Fire Fighting Service.

Robert Miller and Gary Freeman inspect a heavily fire-damaged business in Central NJ. As with all business losses, the M. Miller and Son team must account for the intricacies of documenting the loss of inventory and stock, destroyed equipment, and business interruption loss.

M. Miller and Son celebrates 50 years in business. What began in the 1960’s as a building and restoration company, flourished into a public adjusting firm led by Morris’ son Jack and grandson Jerry Miller. Today, the family business continues to grow with Jerry’s three sons, Michael, Robert and Barry Miller, and co-principal, Michael Borgo.

The storm is downgraded from a hurricane shortly before it hits New York, attacking in a flurry of punches. Firefighters paddling in boats rescue more than 60 people from five-foot floodwaters on Staten Island. New York’s major airports are closed, and at least five storm-related deaths are reported in New York State and New Jersey. M. Miller and Son opens an office in Manhattan to support its clientele based in the five boroughs and New York State.

Lis serves as Executive Assistant to the firm’s principal, Michael Miller. She brings to the firm more than 10 years experience providing customer service and office administration responsibilities. Prior to joining M. Miller and Son, Lis worked on a number of construction projects assisting the head engineer of a prominent New York City construction company. In addition to her duties as an executive assistant, Lis assists M. Miller and Son adjusters handling and managing open claims.

Ed Segall, longtime friend and client of M. Miller and Son, owned and operated the Sea Gulls' Nest for decades – the infamous beach bar and restaurant in Sandy Hook, NJ. In the early 1990s, Ed suffered an accident at the Sea Gulls' Nest where he sustained burns over 60% of his body. He was forever grateful to the doctors and medical staff at The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas for their lifesaving care and started an annual donation drive to support their heroic efforts. M. Miller and Son donated in Ed’s honor for many years. Unfortunately, after 50 years of ownership, the beloved concession stand was deemed unsalvageable and demolished in 2012 after Superstorm Sandy came ashore in NJ.

More than 50 million people from the mid-Atlantic to New England brace for a massive storm as Hurricane Sandy churns northward on a collision course with another storm system that sweeps in from the west. The devastating storm kills more than 100 people, while destroying whole communities in coastal New York and New Jersey, leaving tens of thousands homeless, crippling mass transit, triggering paralyzing gas shortages, inflicting billions of dollars in infrastructure damage and cutting power to more than 8 million homes. M. Miller and Son is there to help clients pick up the pieces as they face the unimaginable; helping clients rebuild their lives, homes, businesses and their communities.

New York Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo declares, “Hurricane Sandy had a greater economic impact, destroyed or damaged more units of housing, affected more businesses and caused more customers to lose power than any other hurricane.”

Willie followed his construction family roots and worked as a contractor until Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida in August of 1992. It was then that he became a Public Adjuster and learned the best practices to post-catastrophic reconstruction and recovery.

After Hurricane Maria ravages the island of Puerto Rico, Willie joins the Miller Puerto Rico team members to help assist the firm's clients in the wake of disaster.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Irma deals a glancing blow to the island of Puerto Rico, Hurricane Maria makes landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, taking out the island’s entire power grid. Spearheaded by Robert Miller, M. Miller and Son re-establishes their office in Puerto Rico and moves several employees to the region to assist residents and to be on the ground to help deal with the storm’s aftermath.

Agnes joins the firm as an Executive Assistant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, joining the team in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Previously, Agnes worked as an editorial director, project manager and publishing director for a Miami publishing company based in Puerto Rico.

During the winter of 2018, a fast-moving fire ripped through a 36-unit condominium complex in Central, NJ. Unfortunately, the building was destroyed and deemed unsalvageable due to the extensive damage it sustained. Michael Borgo begins the process of accessing the loss while contacting emergency service personnel to secure the premises. Specifically, M. Miller and Son engaged experts to install temporary perimeter fencing, door and window board-ups, and roof tarping.

Now into its fourth-generation of family leadership, M. Miller and Son retains the passion and timeless values of its roots. M. Miller and Son is one of the oldest and most prominent public adjusting firms in the New York tri-state area with corporate headquarters in Hillside, New Jersey and offices in New York City and Puerto Rico.

We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and the expertise of our dedicated employees. The firm’s team of executives, public adjusters, and administrators have a combined total of 150 years at M. Miller and Son.

As we take a moment to reflect and celebrate our 60th anniversary, we would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of our clients and associates through the years — Here’s to another successful 60 years.