EP208 - Why 90% of Farms Are Failing — And What This Farmer Did Differently with Andrew Miller
In this episode of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show, host Tyler Dickerhoof sits down with Andrew Miller, founder of Tulip Valley Farms and self-proclaimed “Chief Color Officer”—a title made even more remarkable by the fact that Andrew is colorblind.
From Air Force intelligence officer to Amazon leader to pioneering tulip farmer, Andrew’s story is anything but ordinary. He opens up about leaving the corporate world after a values clash, and how his desire to return to community and raise six kids in his hometown led him to revive a historic tulip farm.
Together, they explore how seeing things differently—literally and metaphorically—has shaped Andrew’s leadership, purpose, and innovative approach to agritourism. If you’ve ever felt out of place in traditional systems or craved a deeper connection to your work and your roots, this conversation will plant something powerful in you.
Meet Andrew Miller
A passionate advocate for people of Skagit Valley and a purpose-driven entrepreneur, Andrew Miller leads the United Way of Skagit County while serving as an elected Commissioner for Skagit Public Utilities District. In 2023, he founded an innovative, internationally acclaimed tulip farm, Tulip Valley Farms, blending his love for agriculture with innovative business models and sustainable practices.
Andrew's community leadership extends to board roles with Viva Farms, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Genuine Skagit Valley, and the Cascade Loop. His diverse academic background includes degrees from Seattle University (JD), Pacific Lutheran University (MBA), Gonzaga University (MA Organizational Leadership), and Naval Postgraduate School (MA Strategic Studies).
Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Andrew resides in Mount Vernon with his wife Holly and their six children, pursuing interests in travel, genealogy, outdoor activities, and photography.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introduction
1:19 Color Blind Being A Chief Color Officer
5:40 Different Perspectives As A Strength
7:03 Career Journeys Before Tulip Farming
14:04 Challenges Faced As A Tulip Farmer
16:45 Education On Revenue & Agriculture
27:36 Complications Experienced In Farming
32:26 Leading & Sustaining Employees
38:41 Ensuring Efficiency In Farming & Revenue Creation
48:25 Next Vision For Tulip Farming
53:15 Get To Know Andrew Miller
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Follow Andrew:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-miller-actual
https://tulipvalley.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/gringomiller
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About the Tyler Dickerhoof Show Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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