Richard Miller

Rick Miller grew up in Windsor Ontario.  When he was 15 years old, the family relocated to Oakville Ontario.

In the mid 60’s Rick’s initiation into the aftermarket saw him start as a counterman for Central Canadian Auto Supplies in Oakville. It didn’t take long for Rick to decide he wanted his own business, and in 1967, he and a co-worker purchased Midland Cylinder Head, a machine shop business, located in Scarborough Ontario. It was here that Rick Miller honed his entrepreneurial skills and where his knowledge, respect and love for engine rebuilding really began!

As time marched on at Midland Cylinder Head, Rick bought out his partner and became the sole owner.  Rick noted that his biggest competitor  were setting the pace for price and product in the Canadian marketplace, and it was very difficult for he and fellow custom shop owners to match their prices while at the same time being profitable on rebuilding popular engines. Rick also noted that many engine parts manufacturers fee warehouses were disappearing in Canada, so engine parts availability was getting tougher.  Rick knew this was not a healthy situation for shops, but these challenges presented opportunity. Rick rallied on the concept and seeking validation, he called a few machine shops he knew and asked them the question….”if you could buy at or very close to the same price as the “other guys”, what would that do for you”?

Their response was overwhelming, all agreeing, it would be a game changer for them.

Rick jumped in with both feet contacting all the major engine parts manufacturers asking them what their requirements were to get their longest trade discount. Although Rick still owned and operated his own machine shop business, he found the time to set up a new company called E.R.I. Engine Rebuilders Inc., solely with the intent to supply engine parts at competitive wholesale prices to machine shops across Canada. Rick recontacted all manufacturers, and said, “Ok, this is what you said you wanted to extend your best deal, so here it is. 

Some manufacturers smiled, some were hesitant. However, slowly but surely, all the key engine parts manufacturers understood Rick’s vision of  E.R.I. Engine Rebuilders Inc.

When ERI first opened in January 1982, functioning as a paper warehouse buying group, there were only 4 members, and it ran for a year and a half with the charter members just to make sure it was going to work and function properly.  Eventually, Rick disposed of Midland Cylinder Head so he could focus full time on ERI. 

In the early days, ERI was a tough go and over the years, Rick logged a lot of travel time developing the business. Many shops were reluctant to join ERI, but member growth was steady. But by 1985, ERI already had 50 members.  In 1992 the ERI member count jumped to 100 , and then 200 by 1994. In 1997, ERI got into the distribution business and opened their first warehouse facility in Markham Ontario. This strategic initiative solidified ERI’s position as the #1 engine parts supplier in the Canadian marketplace and by 2001, their membership grew to 250!

Today, based in Stouffville Ontario, ERI is now 43 years old has Distribution Centers in Stouffville, Moncton, Winnipeg, and Vancouver,  housing the biggest engine parts brands in the rebuild business. ERI has grown to be one of the largest engine rebuilder organizations in North America, and it has provided an unlimited product selection and a significant competitive advantage to its membership, allowing them to flourish and be successful like never before.

As always, a successful entrepreneur somehow finds an unlimited amount of time to give back to their industry……Rick Miller is no exception and over the years, he has done just that!

• He found the time to mentor many fellow machine shops to greater accomplishments
• Rick was the first Canadian to serve as Chairman of The Engine Repower Council, a US based non- profit organization dedicated to educating consumers about the economic and environmental benefits of rebuilt/remanufactured engines
• He served on various Automotive Industry Association councils and committees
• Rick has worked closely with the Canadian Government, specifically the Ministry of Industry, representing the well being and best interests of the automotive industry, and was a key participant in the 2002 National Forum on Automotive Innovation and Investment.
• Also with the Canadian Government, he worked closely with the Ministry of Training, and for 5 years, served as a member of Industry Committee for the skilled occupation of Motive Power Machinist. As well, Rick was instrumental in developing The Motive Power Machinist Certification Program for AIA, and AERA. Today AERA offers the program online across North America and more than 1447 machinists have graduated from the program to date!!!
• Many years ago, The Richard Miller Scholarship Award was established for E.R.I. associated individuals. Since the Scholarship first began in year 2000, 150 plus recipients have received financial assistance and encouragement, allowing them to further their education and training!

Rick Miller currently serves as The ERI Group Chairman of the Board and has just recently completed his 61styear as an active participant in the Canadian Automotive Aftermarket.

Rick has earned respect from the entire Supplier community and the Rebuilding Channel across North America.  

At the ERI office and warehouses, to this day Rick treats his staff exceptionally well, and they reciprocate with admiration, respect and loyalty.

Rick Miller is an accomplished individual, he cares deeply about the industry, and even deeper about the people that work for him.

Rick and his wife Heather will be celebrating their 58th wedding anniversary in November. Joining them on the October 9th induction were his two sons Micheal and Grant, Grant’s wife Lisa; and a number of past and present ERI associates.