Having served as Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) chief and commissioner, Andrew Miller is now a Carmel, IN, business leader. As Ouabache Investments managing member, he identifies dynamic founder-led companies spanning agriculture, food, and beverage sectors. Andrew Miller serves on the boards of directors of the firms his company invests in. Deploying Weaver family funds, he actively guides companies to the next level of profitability and market reach. He excels in developing viable business plans and installing best management practices.
Mr. Miller completed undergraduate studies at Purdue University and served as School of Agriculture ambassador. He gained early experience as Procter & Gamble brand manager and was marketing director with Nabisco prior to taking on responsibilities as CEO of Nature’s Entree. Starting with the concept of a company, he oversaw team hiring and pitched investors on a new concept. Ultimately partnering with an East Coast private equity fund, he oversaw the successful launch and management of a new food concern.
Andrew Miller earlier served at Weaver Popcorn, the world’s largest popcorn maker, as marketing and R&D leader, and as head of business development and strategic development. In his leadership of Indiana’s BMV, he implemented innovative programs that helped ensure proper functioning of a vital public agency. A sports enthusiast, he is a longtime fan of the Chicago Cubs.’
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day always starts with a quick cup of coffee, getting ready, and heading out the door for work. When I get to work, I do my daily Bible reading, review several news and financial sites, and begin working. From there, nothing is typical. Every day is an adventure. At the end of the day, I head home and make dinner. Making dinner is one of the best things about the day. It is a release, and it makes me happy to please my family.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing an idea to life starts with coming up with the idea itself. Good ideas require research, contemplation, and thoroughly thinking through how the idea will be executed. These steps are critical as they are the foundation of how an idea will be sold to the team. From there it takes presenting the idea to the team, selling it, and, most importantly, taking feedback on how to make it better—and sometimes recognizing it wasn’t a good idea after all. If we proceed, it takes diligence and leadership to bring it to life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am very encouraged by the growing number of young adults returning to the Catholic Church. It reflects a broader desire for meaning, structure, and community in a fast-paced and often-disconnected world. I believe this trend speaks to a renewed interest in faith-based values and long-term purpose, especially among younger generations seeking deeper fulfillment. It’s a meaningful shift that I hope continues to grow in the years ahead.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Somewhat ironically, a tendency to worry helps keep me productive. While it can be a double-edged sword, it pushes me to think through potential challenges and stay ahead of issues both at work and in life. I’ve learned to balance that mindset with optimism, which allows me to stay proactive without becoming overwhelmed. When managed well, it leads to better preparation and stronger outcomes.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush. Take the time to fully appreciate each stage of life rather than always looking ahead to what’s next. Some of the most meaningful growth and experiences happen when you slow down and stay present. In the long run, those moments matter just as much as the milestones.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I believe that there is something good in everyone. While that perspective can be challenged at times, I think most people are shaped by their circumstances, and there is usually some underlying positive intent or potential. Taking that approach has helped me stay open-minded and work more effectively with a wide range of people. It’s not always easy, but I’ve found it leads to better understanding and stronger relationships.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I consistently do and encourage others to consider is reading the Bible. For me, it provides a sense of perspective, guidance, and grounding that carries into both my personal and professional life. It’s a way to step back, reflect, and stay connected to values that matter over the long term. Even for those with different beliefs, I think there’s value in taking time to reflect on something meaningful and enduring.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I start to feel overwhelmed or unfocused, I find it helpful to step away for a bit. Taking a walk or simply pausing what I’m doing gives me a chance to reset and clear my head. That break usually helps me come back with better focus and a fresh perspective. It’s a simple habit, but it makes a big difference in staying productive.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that being a strong “doer” doesn’t automatically make you a strong manager. Early on, I focused on executing well, but real growth came when I shifted my attention to leading people effectively. By developing my management skills, I’ve been able to build and guide teams that drive results far beyond what any one individual can accomplish. In the long run, strong leadership and team development have been the most important factors in achieving sustained success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, my first experience in a management role did not go well and ultimately resulted in a demotion. It was a difficult but important turning point that forced me to recognize the gap between being a strong individual contributor and an effective leader. I invested time in training and learning how to manage people, communicate clearly, and lead with intention. That work paid off, as my next management role was much more successful, and it reinforced the importance of continually developing leadership skills.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
While still relatively new, I’ve found that AI tools are extremely helpful in improving productivity. They allow me to quickly gather information, organize ideas, and streamline routine tasks that would otherwise take significantly more time. I use AI to support research, refine communication, and think through different approaches to problems. When used thoughtfully, it’s a powerful tool that enhances efficiency without replacing critical thinking.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I recently spent was on dinner with my family. It wasn’t about the meal itself, but the opportunity to spend quality time together without distractions. In a busy schedule, those moments are easy to overlook, but they’re ultimately what matter most. Investing in time with family is something I always find meaningful and worthwhile.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Bible is the book I’ve gotten the most value from over time. It offers perspective, guidance, and principles that apply across both personal and professional life. I find that returning to it regularly helps me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. Its consistency and depth make it something I continue to learn from over time.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I’ve recently been watching “House of Cards,” and I’ve really enjoyed it. The show does a great job of exploring leadership, strategy, and decision-making in a high-stakes environment. I find the character dynamics and long-term thinking especially interesting, as they reflect many of the challenges you see in business and leadership. It’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Key learnings
- Never give up.
- Never be afraid to try something that seems counterintuitive.
- Never be ashamed of your faith.
- Spend time with your family.