Meet William P. Miller

Today we’d like to introduce you to William P. Miller.

William, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in Chicago, I was fascinated with seeing Black-Americans wearing tuxedos and formal gowns on television attending the Lou Rawls telethon to support The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). I would dream of dressing up and attending someday. When I was 18, I could not afford to purchase a ticket after learning that the event was a fundraiser so I did the next best thing to get into the event, I became a volunteer. I volunteered with UNCF for more than ten years in two states and upheld various roles; this became my initial training to organize galas and sharpen my organizational as well as logistical skills.

Simultaneously, I began working with United Airlines, where I was promoted to work in various management, marketing, and customer service positions. Working in the airline industry provided me with travel opportunities and exposure to international cultures, which ignited a passion for unique design and cultivating experiences. While working at United, I became the go-to guy amongst my peers to plan their weddings, baby shower, and other social celebrations. The planning and designing became my hobby. It was fun and I always enjoyed lending a helping hand.

The unfortunate events of September 11 had an impact on my position as a Project Manager with United. During a three year leave of absence, I decided to breathe life into my passion and launch my production company full time.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to my becoming a successful company has been a journey with its challenges, particularly with the pricing and building of a team.

Pricing strategy and becoming comfortable of charging for my services was a struggle when I first organized my company. I was now doing what I loved and I did not feel that I was working. I had to realized that if I was going to build a company, I had to find my clientele which meant, in some instances, not working for those closest to me who wanted “the hook-up”. I began to change my mind set to see my passion as a professional service and I overcame this struggle.

When done properly, event production also has a build in formula to creating multiple streams of income. Finding those streams was rewarding because it increased our overall profitability.

I had more experience with managing projects than managing people. Initially, I hired friends who needed a job because I felt they would be loyal. About one year into business, I learned that building a great team involved going outside of my inner circle and establishing relationships with individuals who had greater expertise. I knew if I wanted to be the best, I needed to learn from the best. The most important factor to our success was expanding our team to build a celebration circle with my clients, vendors, suppliers and other creatives who wanted me to WIN, my company does not advertise, 95% of our business comes from referral made by those in our celebration circle.

WP Miller Special Events – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
WP Miller Special Events has become a highly sought-after “one-stop-shop” event production company. Though based in Los Angeles we travel the world producing celebrations for all occasions including : intimate dinners, weddings, conventions, concerts, galas, mile-stone celebrations and more! Our team plan live, virtual and hybrid events handling all aspects of the planning and production.

We are known for our personalized service and having a creative vision to execute breath-taking event designs. We create the best guest experiences that we describe as Moments. “Moments – Celebrated social engagements that are planned with panache, executed with excellence and designed with experiences that your guest will treasure.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as the capability to personally grow to understand the importance and value of listening to others, supporting those in need, and inspiring and empowering each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wpmillerspecialevents.com
• Phone: 310 242 1039
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @wpmillermoments
• Facebook: WP Miller Special Events
• Twitter: @wpmillermoments

Image Credit:
The photo with Niecy Nash and I – Robert Ector is the photographer

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