Strategic Factory’s CEO Keith Miller Named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Marketing Award Winner in Maryland

EY announced that CEO of Strategic Factory, a marketing, graphic design, printing, signage, promotional products, and customized apparel company on the cutting-edge of cross-media marketing received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Award in the Marketing category in Maryland. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award program. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Keith Miller was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special gala event at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on June 9, 2016.

Miller is a visionary pioneer with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit and strong business acumen. He opened his first Minuteman Press store in 1999. Though the printing industry has gone through dramatic changes, Miller’s company defied the odds and thrived in a highly competitive field. Miller has grown his business from a single franchise store to five store locations, including Strategic Factory, the company’s Masterbrand and state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility in Owings Mills.

His perseverance, entrepreneurial spirit, and inspirational and motivational leadership have been key contributors to Miller’s success. As an immigrant from South Africa, Miller is not only a successful entrepreneur; he’s a highly-respected industry leader and mentor. Miller is a true example of the American Dream and proved that success can be achieved in the face of adversity with commitment and a strategic business mindset.

“Success is a rich recipe, but key ingredients are hard work, determination and perseverance, and for me, as an immigrant, this event represents limitless possibility. It proves that it is possible for a small entrepreneurial company to grow and become a respected member of the business community. It proves the American Dream still exists and is achievable to those who work for it,” said Keith Miller, CEO, Strategic Factory.

Since 1986, EY has honored entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, spirit of innovation and discipline have propelled their companies’ success, invigorated their industries, and benefited their communities. Now in its 30th year, the program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as Howard Schultz of Starbucks Coffee Company, Robert Unanue of Goya Foods, and Mindy Grossman of HSN. Recent US national winners include Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn; Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of Chobani; and 2015 winners Andreas Bechtolsheim and Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks.

As a Maryland award winner, Keith Miller is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.  The US Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner then moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in Monaco, June 2017.