Then in 1994, Michael Cesario, a professional designer, approached them about making and selling band uniforms and color-guard costumes designed by him.
The idea clicked, Marlene Miller said, in part because she knew Cesario and respected his work. But he also had come up with a great idea — making uniforms out of an easy-to-wash polyester instead of wool, she said.
“Knowing he had come up with that part of it, we were very anxious to get started,” said Marlene Miller, who also has designed costumes.
At the outset, Fred Miller said competitors greeted the new products with skepticism, saying the fabric change wouldn’t work. But many since have adopted the same approach.
FJM since has grown to 120 employees with a client base of about 6,000. The company’s management includes the Miller’s three children — twin sons Mike and Mark Miller and daughter Mary Lynn Dorow, all of whom carry the executive vice president title.
Mark Miller said the company doesn’t disclose financial results. But sales continued to grow last year during the recession, albeit at a slower pace than normal, he said.
“We’ve always been a little bit recession proof, so we’re fortunate that way,” he said.
The business has another four acres next to the Washington Church factory and offices, enough land to add another 15,000 square feet to the existing 25,000-square-foot structure. However, Marlene Miller said they likely will wait before undertaking such an expansion.
“We’re ready for it, but we’re not ready for it,” she said. “We’ll just wait and see how the business progresses and when it’s economically the right thing to do.”
The company continues to make uniforms and costumes for high schools and colleges and also offers training clinics for students and adults involved in drum corps, dance lines and drill teams. The business also markets accessories such as rifles, shoes, megaphones and flags, made by other manufacturers.
About the Author