Norm Miller

Chairman of Interstate Batteries

Norm Miller is proof that a good businessman can also be a good businessman. From humble beginnings, Norm's steady climb to the helm of Interstate Batteries has shown that you don't have to step on others to climb the ladder of success. "I don't know how many times I've proved to myself you just never go wrong in treating the other person fair and square.", says Norm.

He first worked for his father who had an Interstate Battery distributorship. John Searcy, the company founder, soon spotted this hardworking young salesman. Norm moved through the ranks, eventually taking over the company when Searcy retired. Interstate Batteries has continued to grow to the point where it is now the number one seller of replacement batteries in the world, selling over 12 million batteries a year.

Further, Interstate Batteries has made its mark on the racing world. In 1983 the company founded The Interstate Batteries Great American Race, America's premier vintage car event. Then in 1991 they teamed up with the Joe Gibbs Racing Team to sponsor Dale Jarrett and later Bobby LaBonte in the #18 NASCAR. In 2000, LaBonte & Interstate won the Winston Cup, NASCAR's year-long championship.

Norm's personal journey has not always been a victory lap. He worked constantly. He was on the road frequently. A family history of alcoholism took its toll on Norm and his marriage. His wife Anne had decided to leave him. At that low point, Norm received Christ and turned his life over to God. Ever since, he has run his life and his company on Christian principles. With this new power source in his life, Norm has been able to rebuild his marriage and the business grew to be The Interstate Family. "Some distributors told us," reports Norm, "there's something special here -- a feeling of love, unity, family."

Norm and Anne are involved in numerous church and ministry activities but still find time to have fun with their two children and five grandchildren.