In the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Millers Inc. has been an anchor in the building trades for four decades. Founded in 1985 by Joe Miller, the insulation contracting firm has grown from a small, family-run outfit into one of the most respected names in the region. Today, Joe’s daughters—Desiree Miller, president, and Jeannine Miller Barreras, vice president—lead the company into its next era. Together, they embody the rare blend of tradition and innovation, balancing technical mastery with the entrepreneurial instincts required to survive in today’s construction climate.

The Miller sisters’ story is not just about insulation or energy efficiency. It’s about family legacy, the strength of women in trades still dominated by men, and the challenges and rewards of building a business while staying true to timeless values.

From Father’s Dream to Sisters’ Mission

Both sisters trace their careers back to the same moment in 1996, when they each decided to join their father in the family business. For Desiree, the decision was a natural progression. Having worked in contractor sales and later in window and door distribution, she was already steeped in the building materials world.

“After several years in the construction industry, I decided it was time for a new challenge. With my dad’s business expanding, it was the perfect opportunity to join him and contribute to its growth." She recalls.

For Jeannine, the choice came at a personal crossroads.

Photos courtesy of Millers insulation

“I was looking for a fresh direction in my career when my sister joined our dad in the family business,” she says. “I remember thinking, what a dream it would be—to work alongside my best friend and my father. It’s truly been a blessing.”

That sense of blessing permeates the company culture to this day. Millers Inc. is not simply a workplace; it’s a family endeavor in every sense. Both women describe their ability to collaborate as one of the greatest strengths of the business. “We make a great team, each bringing a unique perspective to the business,” Jeannine explains. “Desiree contributes her strong technical expertise and financial acumen, while I complement that with my background in marketing.”

Building Expertise in a Competitive Market

The insulation trade may not always capture the public imagination the way flashy skyscrapers or sprawling subdivisions do, but it plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Millers Inc. has carved out a reputation for being thorough, innovative, and adaptable. 

On the residential side, the company focuses on retrofit projects, especially in Albuquerque’s many mid-century homes. “These homes often need significant updates to meet current building codes,” Jeannine explains. “We focus on sealing large soffits and chases, and we apply a specialized sprayed-on radiant barrier to better protect against the harsh New Mexico heat.” 

On the commercial side, the scope is even broader. “We are a full-service residential/commercial insulation contractor,” Desiree says. “We specialize in new construction, single family homes, multifamily and residential retrofit, attics and air sealing. On the commercial side, we perform work on hospitals, schools, hotels, metal buildings, strip malls, warehouses, and commercial buildings.” 

A recent standout for the team was the 90,000-square-foot tilt-up concrete expansion for ABB Manufacturing. “It wasn’t the largest project we’ve ever completed,” says Desiree, “but it was particularly rewarding because it incorporated several different applications.” The project featured Z-furring with 2-inch rigid insulation anchored to the concrete walls, vinyl R19 batt insulation for the exterior, and sound batts for the interior walls. In addition, the team handled firestopping, sealants, and both interior and exterior concrete expansion joints, demonstrating their versatility and attention to detail throughout the building.  

Projects like this showcase the depth of Millers’ expertise and its ability to handle complex, large-scale jobs. It’s also where their choice of manufacturers (including Owens Corning, Johns Manville, Huntsman, Hilti, and Sika) reflects their insistence on quality. 

Photos courtesy of Millers insulation

Challenges in Today’s Construction Climate

For Jeannine, the hardest aspect is unpredictability. “One of the toughest parts of the job is dealing with unpredictable workflow,” she says. “Some weeks are slow, with projects stalled and crews waiting. Then suddenly, everything hits at once and we’re short-staffed, racing to keep up. That unpredictability ties into another major challenge: retaining employees in a volatile industry. 

Both sisters agree that labor shortages continue to pose one of the biggest challenges. “Finding and retaining skilled employees—and managing them effectively—is the most difficult part of the business for me,” Desiree admits. 

What Sets Them Apart

In a crowded and competitive market, the Millers know they need to do more than just keep pace. Their differentiator is both tangible and intangible: a mix of credentials, longevity, and values.  

“We are the only Certified Energy Experts by Owens Corning in the state of New Mexico,” Jeannine says with pride. “Along with being a Certified Commercial Building Contractor with ICAA.” 

Desiree points to the weight of their legacy. “We have the biggest target on our back, being the oldest privately owned insulation company,” she says. “We have to constantly strive to be the best at what we do. Which includes constant learning, marketing, and standing behind our name.” 

That longevity (40 years in business) is not only a point of pride but also proof of resilience. Both sisters credit their father’s financial discipline for helping the company weather downturns. “Our dad taught us to save money, watch your spending,” Desiree says. “When all the others are out there buying new trucks and spending their money, save yours. Honestly, that has been the best advice that we constantly use.” 

The Rewards of Family Business

Beyond the contracts and certifications, what makes the Millers’ story remarkable is how deeply rooted it is in family. Their father no longer runs the business; however, he still visits daily. Desiree’s husband works in residential sales for the company. Their children see firsthand the legacy being built. 

“I love working with my family,” Desiree reflects. “My sister and I bring different skills to the table, and together we make the business stronger. Plus, seeing my dad and husband daily at work is a bonus I never take for granted.” 

For Jeannine, the joy is in the everyday partnership with her sister. “I thrive on problem-solving and the challenges that each day brings,” she says. “But what I enjoy most is getting to work alongside my sister every day—it’s something really special.” 

Beyond Business: Who They Are Outside Work

What makes Desiree and Jeannine compelling is not just their professional achievements but their personalities, passions, and quirks. 

Desiree is a traveler at heart, fascinated by history and culture. “I would love to see the great pyramids of Giza, Egypt,” she says, calling it a bucket-list trip. She’s also passionate about passing that wanderlust on to her children through family trips. 

Jeannine and her family explored Amsterdam earlier this year, but her passion for travel is far from over. At home, she admits a love of fashion — “my husband jokes it might be a little too much”—and she swears by her signature mojito recipe. 

Both sisters share a passion for fitness, often working out together during lunch breaks. They’re also aligned musically (“The Stones!” both exclaim when asked to choose between the Beatles or the Rolling Stones). Spiritually, they ground themselves in their faith — Jeannine naming the Bible as the greatest book ever written, while Desiree dreams of dinner with Cleopatra to uncover the mysteries of her reign. 

Outside of work, Jeannine, along with her husband, devotes time to supporting their son at his Special Olympics sporting events. While Desiree treasures time with her husband and children. 

Photo: Millers Insulation

Looking Ahead

As Millers Inc. celebrates four decades in business, both sisters are focused on the future. “Continue to run a successful business,” Desiree says of her long-term goals. “It’s difficult out there with all the competition. Keeping our business fresh and continually trying to keep up to date with all the changes that are happening with codes, marketing, social media.” 

Jeannine echoes the sentiment but adds a layer of legacy. “Continuing our father’s legacy—I’m proud to say that our business has continued our successes.”

The sisters know that the challenges won’t stop. Construction markets will rise and fall. Employee shortages will ebb and flow. New technologies and codes will reshape the field. But if their first 40 years prove anything, it’s that resilience, family, and vision can weather any storm.

A Story Beyond Insulation

At first glance, Millers Inc. is a company that installs insulation. But look closer, and you see a story about heritage, resilience, and the future of women in the trades.

Desiree and Jeannine are not just contractors; they are leaders who have transformed a family business into a modern, competitive enterprise while staying true to the values their father instilled. They prove that legacy is not about preserving the past—it’s about building on it. And in Albuquerque, the Miller sisters are doing just that, one project, one client, and one new challenge at a time.