Suni Miller’s journey into the construction industry began with her father, a landscape contractor in Lake Tahoe. Working alongside him, she gained hands-on experience in landscaping and snow removal. However, she eventually sought a different path and transitioned into accounting, where she spent 15 years before realizing that the cubicle life wasn’t for her.
Her love for the outdoors and passion for structural work led her to restart the family business, but with a new focus—concrete and excavation.
A Love for Structural Work and Heavy Equipment
Unlike her previous work in landscaping, Suni now specializes in concrete and excavation. She describes the foundational work her company does as “building the base for the cake” for homes and buildings. While others may see dirt and rocks, Suni finds excitement in shaping the land and being the first on-site for a project.
Her deep appreciation for the engineering and structural aspects of the industry fueled her passion, making her transition back to construction a natural fit.
How Accounting Became a Business Advantage
Although her time in accounting seemed like a detour, it turned out to be a vital steppingstone. Her financial background provided her with a strong foundation for running her own company. Unlike many contractors who rely entirely on bookkeepers, Suni understands the financial side of her business, allowing her to make informed decisions about bidding, expenses, and financial planning.
This financial literacy has given her a competitive edge in the industry, enabling her to avoid costly mistakes that have affected other contractors.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Construction
Suni’s journey has not been without obstacles. As one of the few—if not the only—licensed female concrete contractors in northern Nevada, she has often encountered skepticism. Many assume she is the bookkeeper or administrative assistant when she arrives at job sites.
However, through persistence and excellence, she has built a strong reputation. A turning point came when she secured her first USDA NRCS contract, despite facing discrimination and unprofessional advances. Since then, she has successfully completed 27 contracts, proving her capabilities and earning respect in the industry.
Advice for Women Looking to Enter Male-Dominated Fields
For women considering a transition from office work to hands-on trades, Suni offers valuable advice:
Be involved in all aspects of the business – Understanding both the physical and administrative sides of a company strengthens decision-making skills.
Stay vigilant with finances – Being aware of financial details prevents costly mistakes and ensures sustainability.
Embrace challenges as motivation – Rather than being discouraged by barriers, use them as fuel to push forward.
Build resilience – Success in construction requires a thick skin, persistence, and determination.
Pushing Forward Despite Personal and Professional Challenges
Suni’s resilience extends beyond the job site. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she continued working through treatments, demonstrating remarkable strength. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance while also advocating for self-care.
Balancing family life, business, and personal challenges, Suni hopes to inspire other women by showing that success in construction—and any industry—is possible with determination and passion.
A Trailblazer in the Industry
From shaping dirt to shaping the future of women in construction, Suni Miller is breaking barriers and proving that the construction industry is not just for men. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering passion.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for women looking to enter male-dominated fields, showing that with the right mindset and skills, anything is possible. To learn more about Suni’s journey, listen to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/women-in-trades/ or contact Suni at smiller@Timberline-ent.com or call (775) 720-1622.
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
