Each year during the month of February, Americans reflect on the legacy of the trials and triumph of African Americans. The Small Business Administration is proud to support the drive and dedication of African American small business owners who are living the American dream. Carla Walker-Miller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC is a small business owner who epitomizes these very qualities. She started WMES in 2000 after 20 year working for Westinghouse Electric Corporation and ABB Inc. in division and field sales positions. Walker-Miller earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee State University
WMES offers complete energy audit and energy management solutions to help customers realize operating cost efficiencies, greater comfort, and reliability, helping people save money on their energy bills with measures that fit their budgets. Under Walker-Miller’s leadership, WMES has experienced double-digit growth, earning both local and national recognition as an innovative company to watch.
Walker-Miller is a graduate of the SBA’s Emerging 200 initiative, a nationwide pilot training program to target promising inner-city small businesses with a curriculum designed to create jobs and stimulate local economies. The program includes 100 hours of classroom time over six months, focusing on such topics as finance, market development, organization management, strategic planning and growth strategies.
Walker-Miller was an idea candidate for the program – she’s located at the Detroit-based Tech Town incubator and was already a success in the emerging energy industry. "As entrepreneurs, the fast pace requires that we operate in quick response mode much of the time,” says Walker-Miller. “The e200 class forced me to take a decisively more proactive approach and the curriculum required that I stop and take the time to make plans for the growth of Walker-Miller Energy Services.”
The e-200 gives CEOs the opportunity to connect with their peers, city leaders, and the financial community. "The mentoring group gave me insight on how CEOs approached their businesses,” said Walker-Miller. “We began as strangers and ultimately gained confidence and respect for each other. We were able to share best practices in operations, management, and even collections."
The SBA salutes Carla Walker-Miller for her dedication to building a foundation for the future of her business and her community.