"I really enjoy the cookies at your store and all of the employees are pretty nice and pretty cool. Miller Industrial's selection is great. You always have what I need."
- Eric Becker, Chicago Sign Designs

Our History

Sam Miller, a 26-year-old Russian immigrant, founded Vincennes Hardware in 1928 on the south side of Chicago. The store moved and grew four different times throughout its history. In the early 1950’s, The Wall Street Journal credited Sam with the first ever self-service hardware store, allowing his customers to go behind the counter to touch and see the merchandise. Sam’s store became the 185th store to join the Ace Hardware buying cooperative in 1953.

Sam’s youngest son Bob Miller expanded the business to Elk Grove in 1969 with a large hardware store that catered to both homeowners and businesses from the greater O’Hare area. In 1986, a commercial/industrial store was opened in Elk Grove Industrial Park with products, services and hours that catered to the various nearby businesses. In 1991, Bob bought property on Devon Avenue and built today’s current store location.

Jeff Miller, with a B.S. from University of Illinois and an MBA from Indiana University, joined the business in 1993 and bought it from his father in 1995. Jeff renamed the company Miller Industrial to reflect the company’s long-standing family ownership. The company has since evolved from its retail hardware roots to focus on commercial/industrial sales. Under Jeff’s leadership, the store has implemented innovative technology, hired and trained professional sales teams, and redesigned the store twice to add new products and services for a changing customer base. Jeff and his sister, Sally Schumann, are part of the dedicated leadership team that successfully manages the daily operations of Miller Industrial.

The entire organization is proud of the various awards received over the years. Miller Industrial was first runner-up for Illinois Small Family Business of the Year twice in the 1990’s. In 1998, we were awarded the first ever Ace Commercial/Industrial Dealer of the Year. The company also enjoyed double digit sales growth during the 1990’s.

Since Sam’s store opening, the company has always focused on the customer and changed as needed in order to sustain long-term growth. Miller Industrial currently capitalizes on a convenient retail format which allows buyers of MRO supplies an alternative to catalog shopping and traditional distribution so they can see, feel, and try products prior to purchase. Future expansion is planned to grow the product offering, customer base, and solidify Miller Industrial’s position as “The Destination Store for Industrial Supplies.”