Schaefer celebrates a retirement! Jim Miller retired on October 17, 2025.
Jim Miller joined Schaefer in 1980 as one of the firm’s earliest hires. As he rose in leadership, he succeeded Steve Schaefer as president in 2006 once Steve transitioned into an engineering role. Jim himself transitioned into an engineering role in 2017, passing the presidential reigns to Greg Riley. Jim continued his engineering career designing unique projects including for some of Schaefer’s high-end single family residential clients, and often collaborated with new engineers; besides being an incredible engineering resource, the newest team members had the opportunity to learn Schaefer’s values from someone who helped shaped them.
In retirement, Jim plans to travel with his wife, Karen, watch his first grandchild grow up, and play a lot of tennis.
“Jim may be moving into his next chapter, but Schaefer will not soon forget the impact he’s had on this firm. He took us from a really good local firm and set the stage for our current growth trajectory,” remarked Schaefer President Greg Riley. “He showed us what it’s like to treat people well + invest in their future for the betterment of them + our firm.”
Moving into the presidential role immediately prior to the Great Recession of 2008, Jim started his tenure successfully steering the firm through the uncertainty associated with the time. He grew the firm in people + revenue and set the tone for approachability + open communication the firm has come to expect of its leadership team. Jim instituted changes necessary for a growing firm, including the marketing + human resources departments, a firm rebrand, and a geographic location team that resulted in the firm’s second office in Columbus, Ohio.
Jim’s 45-year professional legacy at Schaefer is a firm focused on growth while treating its people well. He embodied + continued the values set by his predecessor + Schaefer’s founder, Steve Schaefer, while making his own impact on the firm, setting the stage for future growth + success.
We wish him luck in retirement, and that we see him again soon.
Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy this new chapter, relax, travel and cherish your family.
Best,
Lupe
Please extend my best and the best from Riverbend Timber Framing and Insulspan (SIPs) to Jim.
I remember my first call to Jim one year after Graduating from Miami. I had to exchange allowable stresses of our oak timbers with Jim. It was a fun call.
I’ve had nothing but good experiences, positive examples and ongoing learning opportunities. Jim is one that was in my path toward having a great career and successful projects.
Hi Jim, Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! Very well deserved! I really enjoyed your structural design courses at Miami. I learned a lot, enough to pass the structural exam on the first attempt and enough to get A’s in both of your classes! 🙂
Coincidentally, After 40 years in the profession and more than 32 with BHDP, I’m retiring at the end of 2025! I plan to spend more time with my two grandkids, lifeguarding at my local YMCA, and triathlon training!
Best wishes!
Tom
Congratulations Jim!
Enjoy your retirement and your grandchild!