MATTHEW & MICHAEL MILLER

Whether it’s boyhood antics, wildland firefighting, organic farming, or rental renovations, Matthew and Michael Miller have done it all together. Having few other kids around made the twins the best of playmates as boys, exploring the woods near their childhood home and running around with their dogs. “I had a best friend who was with me all the time,” says Matthew. “It feels like we’ve been partners in crime for as long as I can remember,” adds Michael.

“Raising twins isn’t always easy, and we would often drive our mom nuts,” Matthew jokes. “One time, she walked out the front door to find us two stories up a very sketchy fire escape at 5 years old. It was easy to get the courage to do it, because we had each other to convince ourselves it was a good idea at the time – which it wasn’t.”

Matthew and Michael share a competitive nature, which pushed them to achieve better grades in school and thrive professionally. Their common goals are benefited by distinct personalities; Michael’s reserved nature and attention to detail complement Matthew’s outgoing personality and focus on the outcome.

While the brothers agree that having similarities is a strength, Michael admits it used to get them in a bit of trouble: “In college, professors would think we were cheating on exams because we would get almost the exact same grade and miss the same questions. So, they started making us sit on different sides of the room when taking a test. They eventu- ally realized we just studied together and thought the same.”

Over the years, the twins have explored multiple professions together. A high school interest in the U.S. Forest Service led them to a hotshot crew fighting wildfires – a position that set them up for success in their current jobs with the Chattanooga Fire Department. The duo also had a stint running an organic vegetable farm, and recently embarked on renovating and managing a rental property alongside their wives.

“Being able to work with my brother has given me the confidence to start a business and try something new knowing he was there trying it with me,” says Matthew. “Since we both know each other so well, it makes problem solving easier when working on projects.”

He adds, “We’re best friends, we talk all the time, and we have each other as sounding boards. Any issue that comes up in life we work out together.”