Marty Miller, B.S.'80
Food and Consumer Package Goods Outstanding Alumni Award
It all started over 100 years ago when Melitta Bentz used one of her son’s workbook pages and a perforated brass pot to strain bitter coffee grounds out of her morning coffee. Now more than 100 years and several million pounds of roasted coffee and many millions of paper filters later, that moment of frustration turned inspiration has led to a thriving business. Proud to still be family-owned and managed, Melitta sets the tone in coffee innovation from filters to coffee makers but also maintains a strong commitment to giving back through charitable contributions and community involvement.
Marty Miller is the president of Melitta USA. His goal – to bring “European indulgence” to everyday life for every household where coffee is enjoyed. Miller has spent 17 years at Melitta and in 2000 was appointed president and CEO. One of his first tasks was to complete a strategic plan to address the core business processes while returning the company to profitability. Under Miller’s leadership, Melitta has seen improved product quality, wider distribution, redesigned packaging, dozens of new products, and a completely different corporate culture.
Along with the new corporate culture, Miller also renewed Melitta’s focus on increasing community involvement, which also helped increase employee morale. “We have three things we focus our attention on: our brand, our employees and our consumers. Without a strong brand and solid employees, focusing on consumer needs, we cease to exist,” says Miller.
How does Miller tackle the complicated task of setting strategic direction for product development and marketing for Melitta? One way is by opening a direct line for Melitta’s consumers and visitors with the company website. The Melitta website prominently features an “Ask the President” feature, in which Miller states, “As president and CEO of Melitta USA, I am a consumer just like you. I know I want my voice to be heard – and so that is precisely what I am offering you as a valued customer: the opportunity to share with me personally whatever thoughts, suggestions, ideas, compliments or complaints you may have regarding your Melitta experience. Your input will come directly to me. I will personally read each submission, and I guarantee you a response. I am serious when I invite you to be part of the quality quotient at Melitta. I look forward to your comments and sincerely appreciate your support.”
It is this type of openness and willingness to engage with customers at ground zero that allows Miller to see the forest AND the trees when making decisions, and his vision for Melitta has taken the company to the next level.