Pat Miller is the founder and owner of Blue Diamond Construction, a New Jersey-based commercial metal framing firm/company, established in 2016 after her husband and business partner, Ray, passed away after a valiant fight with cancer.

For over 30 years, Pat has worked in the construction industry, first with RPM Construction, the company she and Ray founded and built together, and now as sole owner of Blue Diamond.

A highly-skilled metal framer and sought-after value engineer, Pat honed her craft working hands-on at building sites throughout New Jersey. She routinely liaises with engineers, architects, owners, developers, electricians, carpenters, foreman, etc., on high-profile commercial projects ranging from hospitals and medical centers, apartment buildings, cafes/restaurants, office buildings and shopping centers, among others. In recent years, Blue Diamond has played an integral role in the revitalization of iconic Asbury Park, N.J.

Nearly 10 years ago, Pat was dealt a series of significant personal blows. She lost not only her husband, but both her parents and one of her brothers in three short years. She almost lost her business, too.

To make sense of this period in her life that seemed to make little sense at all, Pat decided to write her first book -- the internationally best-selling memoir, Kicking Karma’s Ass: Unbelievable Stories of Strength, Resilience and Perseverance, All Told with a Twist of Humor. It recounts her “phoenixing up” and out of grief to rebuild her life both personally and professionally.

Since publishing, Pat has received numerous messages from readers sharing their own stories and thanking her for so openly sharing her own experiences. It’s also led to speaking engagements and other opportunities to help inspire others to remember sometimes things don’t work out the way we want, but instead work out even better than we ever could have imagined.

Pat was recently named a 2024 Woman to Watch by South Jersey Magazine and an Outstanding Woman Builder by the Women Builders Council. She’s been profiled in the business pages of the Asbury Park Press and was the focus of a six-part “Spotlight NJ” interview with legendary News12 New Jersey anchor Della Crews, among others.

A born and raised Jersey girl, Pat is a longtime resident of Jackson where she raised her two sons, as well as her beloved 18-year-old bichon frise Sabrina.

Empowering women to empower women is my passion. I believe there’s tremendous opportunity for women as owners and entrepreneurs in construction. Especially as technology transforms the industry, creating new fields within. Being an entrepreneur means taking risks – not easy, but the rewards are amazing. It’s not just about the money. It’s about accomplishment, self-worth and being in charge of your own destiny.