Miller’s Nursery and Landscaping named 2024 Long County Business of the year

"Small businesses are the heart and soul of their communities. A good business builds authentic connections with its customers, employees, and community. A good business is motivated by a desire to do good and make improvements. Small businesses are an essential part of the American dream. They represent the idea that with hard work and determination, anyone can start their own business and achieve success. And that's exactly what the 2024 long county chamber of commerce business of the year has done. Their hard work and determination has even trickled down to their children as well. They are a very involved family. It's not uncommon for them to have prior commitments with their youngest child's active schedule. Their oldest will attend so their business doesn't miss out on a community event. Now I don’t know how many teenagers you have met but there aren't very many that are willing up give up their free time for community stuff. I don't need any hands, fingers, or toes to count how many times this business has told me no. Not one single time have I ever called or text asking for something and they have told me no! They might have to move some stuff around or send in the teenager but they always show up for Long County! They show up to community events, they always volunteer to help, they let me borrow products for decorating any time I ask, and they sponsor every sports team in the county. This business does so much for the community but you wouldn't know it looking at their social media. All you are going to see are posts about sales, current jobs, their kids, or the cat. They dont have to scream from the roof tops their involvement we all see it and appreciate it! They have been the Best of liberty 2020-2021-2022-2023 and 2024. And now we are honored to present JD and Taylor Miller of Miller’s Nursery & Landscaping LLC business of the year 2024."- said by our correspondence secretary Lynette when she presented the award.

JD was born and raised in the hills of Kentucky, until the age of 13, when he moved to Southeast Georgia. And just two years later, at 15 years old, JD began building a landscaping business that, through his unmatched and persevering work ethic, grew into what many locals knew as Knee High Lawn Care. That work ethic and unparalleled drive is something that he passed on to his son, Griffin, born just before JD had reached age 20. Since that day, JD has been a hard-working father who somehow finds a way to make sure that everything is done “at the office” just before showing up for the first pitch of a ball game with dinner in one hand while embracing his wife, Taylor, with the other, who, for the last 14 years has been his cornerstone. His focus is always on family, but JD will extend a helping hand to anyone who needs it with no questions asked and no expectations. He will help anyone who is a part of his community.

Taylor was born and raised in Liberty County, where her family roots run deep. She has always loved spending her time outdoors, amongst nature. As the eldest child of burgeoning, local business owners, she saw throughout her upbringing the sheer amount of effort and tenacity that it takes to grow a new business into a successful company. At only 18 years old, Taylor was managing Liberty Glass Co., where she developed and honed a keen business acumen over years of dedication to the family business. By age 20, Taylor met the love(s) of her life: JD (and Griffin, who was barely 3 at the time). And from the very beginning, Taylor began building an unwavering foundation for JD to build upon. For her family, she is the rock that holds true no matter the current of the sea. Her steadfast nature is evident in the work that she does daily, not only in terms of her business, but as a mother, as a wife, and as a pillar of the community. Many who do not know her well enough will never get to see the totality of what she accomplishes behind the scenes because she genuinely does not want the recognition. Taylor is one of very few who shines even brighter when no one is looking.

Taylor and JD are the extraordinarily proud parents of 2 outstanding children: Griffin (age 17) and Addison (age 12). Taylor is one of the most dedicated “softball moms” in all of Long County, and JD is an ever-present cheerleader for both of kids at any and every event or occasion in which they choose to participate. Just as a river ebbs and flows, Taylor and JD work together as a team to make sure that their business flourishes in tandem with their family and never at the expense of it, and to be able to recognize such a strong and well-matched team that puts family and community first is blessing in and of itself.

This small business exemplifies everything needed in our community. These two are selfless community leaders that often put the community above their own circumstances.

Your hard work, ideas, and dedication to the citizens of long county will never go unnoticed. We appreciate everything you both do for the community! Congratulations