Our timeline
Three Generations. One Family Business
From a single carbide-saw repair shop in Missoula to two full-service facilities across Northwest Montana, the story of Missoula Saws is the story of the Miller family.
Clay Miller becomes head saw filer at Intermountain Lumber in Missoula, honing the skills that would define the family business for generations.
Clay opens Missoula Saws as a side project to repair carbide circle saws, still a new innovation in sawmilling at the time. Word of his skill with carbide-tipped, band, and round saws spreads across Montana, Idaho, and Eastern Washington, and the shop grows into a full business.
Clay's son, George Miller, joins him in Missoula as sales manager, bringing years of filing experience and marking the start of the second generation.
"I worked with some of the best filers, and while I never actually filed for my dad, he was my mentor and always ready to help."
George MillerGeorge's brother, Bob Miller, becomes vice president and general manager, a role he holds for nearly three decades.
Bob's son, Brian Miller, joins the company, learning the craft from his father and Uncle George and beginning the third generation.
Barry Miller and Rodney Munson both start as teenagers working after school, and go on to become the next generation of saw filers.
"You can never stop learning."
George Miller, on advice for young filersFollowing the passing of Clay and George, and Bob's retirement, Brian, Barry, and Rodney carry the third generation forward, acquiring Saw Performance Specialists in Kalispell and expanding into Columbia Falls.
Brad Miller joins the Columbia Falls team, bringing 15+ years of millwright experience to help customers keep their equipment running at full capacity.
Missoula Saws and Saw Performance Specialists serve forest products, industrial, and cabinetry clients across the region, and are major distributors for leading saw and saw maintenance equipment brands.