WKOW (MADISON) -- WKOW has partnered with the American Red Cross to honor people who have made a difference in our communities. They are this year's Red Cross Real Heroes. Today we honor a man who has put his family's business on the map and helped the community at the same time.
Carl Miller is 'Someone You Should Know.'
This is a daily site around Miller & Sons Supermarket. For store owner, Carl Miller, this is where service begins, and it stems from his philosophy on life.
"Treat people the way you want to be treated," said Carl. "Don't remember the bad ones. Remember the good ones."
As this year's Corporate Hero, Miller's is one of the good ones. During more than 100 years of business in Verona, this family run store has done plenty of memorable things.
"Part of being in a small town is being involved in the community and that's the way do things," said Carl.
Look around and there are many reminders of that involvement; from collections for the Dane County Humane Society and the hungry, right down to the people who work here…many of them area students.
"It's a lot of people we've gone through over the years," said Carl. "They usually stay a couple years and go on to college and we have a few that work there way through college here too."
Miller's does its part to support those kids in their high school education and activities too. There aren't many locals who haven't stopped by for a bite to eat at the brat feeds they sponsor to support athletics.
"It got to be quite the thing," said Carl. "We outgrew our parking lot and it's now in Walgreen's parking lot. It is a good fund raiser, they make a lot of money!"
Miller's also helps sponsor other events; from Jerry's Race against Muscular Dystrophy to the Ronald McDonald House Charity Bike Ride. Last year, as the top donation site in Dane County for 7 years running, Miller's was the kick-off location for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign
"Even the bell-ringers like to come here because there's so much activity going on," said Carl.
Being honored as a Red Cross Corporate Real Hero is special for this supermarket throwback.
Carl laughs, "Yeah we're a throwback alright."
Miller says he'd like to be able to do even more and his store is in just the right places to do that.
"We get the recognition, but it's the community," said Carl.
