J. P. Miles Construction Corporation

“I used to try to run my company my way; today I lean on the Holy Spirit to guide me in my work. Once I quit trying to run it, things started coming together. Today I list Jesus Christ as my CEO on my organizational chart. It works a lot better that way.”

As general manager for a large construction company, Bo Miles was responsible for 300 employees, worked 80-hour weeks and dealt with a lot of headaches. With a long-time interest in forming a company of his own and equipped with extensive experience, industry knowledge and faith, he established J.P. Miles Construction Corporation in 2003. And that decision has proven to be a good one.

"Today I have three employees and do far less projects and only work 60 hours a week," says Miles. "I feel like I am semi-retired!"

J.P. Miles Construction Corporation offers a full range of services from the initial land purchase to the completed construction of commercial and industrial buildings, homes and multi-family housing developments. Such diversity is not by accident; Miles says it keeps the work interesting, competitive and flexible, and most importantly, able to rise above fluctuations in the market.

"Stick with what you know, but don't be afraid to change," says Miles. "Don't be so hung up on your business plan that you can't change and have some diversity. It can be a bumpy ride sometimes, and I always know where my parachute is."

Miles relies upon his moral compass to direct the company with goals to "reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously and expect a greater reward--not the kind in a bank account."

"I just want to be careful to remember my priorities and not grow too fast too soon," says Miles. "The company I ran did ten times the sales volume I am running now, so the growth is comfortable. I have no desire to grow a large company. I just want to do what I am good at doing and be rewarded fairly for it."