1920s - 1950s

1929

Russian immigrant Morris Miller forms M. Miller and Son

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.

1929-1933

The Great Depression

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.

1940-1959

Son grows to Sons

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 sterling reputation within the community as fair and honest construction workers.

1960s

1960

A Public Adjusting Firm is Born

Jerry Miller, Jack’s son, joins the family business. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Jerry sells life insurance for Prudential. Jack, while responding to a clients need for repairs after a small fire, is told his services are no longer necessary as the client has hired an area public adjuster. From that point forward, Jerry learns all he can about becoming a public adjuster and how best to assist their clients. He becomes a Newark auxiliary fireman, rides with the engines to fire scenes and observes how public adjusters operate. He speaks with people who have lost everything due to floods, fires and wind storms and realizes the impact the firm can make, helping those in need while minimizing the burden and hardship after a catastrophe.


Jerry and Jack become partners and relaunch M. Miller and Son as a Public Adjusting firm. The firm’s background in construction work proves to be immensely beneficial in assessing property damage.

1961

655 Clinton Avenue, Newark, NJ

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.

1967

The Newark Riots Unfold

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.

1969

M. Miller and Son Joins NAPIA

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.

1969

Marilyn (Miller) Freeman Joins the Family Business

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.

1970s

1970

The Move to Hillside, NJ

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.

1980s

1990s

2000s