– Compiled and edited by Shawn Nowlin
Who is Jamal Millner and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I am an introvert in an extrovert’s clothing. My job requires a lot of social interaction, which can drain my social battery at times. I tend to slip away to a quiet corner to recharge before getting back out there.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born on Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Many of the lessons I learned there molded me into the man that I am today. Nothing was given; everything was earned. When I was 12, we came back to Roanoke.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I first jumped into working at the local Roanoke FOX affiliate. While there, I started my own business. For roughly a decade, it was like working two full-time jobs. Eventually, I got to a point where I could support myself independently.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
My official title is President and Lead Software Engineer for Millner Multi-Media, Ltd., better known by our dba M3:GRAFIX. My company just entered its 29th year of operation. My responsibilities primarily focus on providing software engineering and media services to advertising and marketing agencies. We service clients with regional, national and international footprints. Our services focus on areas that are too expensive to employ someone to do in-house.
How important is family to you?
Family is very important! My wife and son keep me grounded and make sure I never forget where I came from. Having my dad and sister as colleagues makes the journey of running a business extra rewarding. My mom instilled saving for a rainy day, which has gotten my business through many economic events over the past 29 years. My brother often calls to talk about business ventures and ideas to keep me on my toes.
Running my business is stressful, but some of the most relaxing times are with my in-laws and our family vacations that usually top out at 16 people having a good time enjoying each other’s company.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
On a road trip, I love listening to the podcasts “Darknet Diaries” and “NPR’s How I Built This.” Both help me think about ways of improving my skills and becoming better at my job. For sure, these music artists would be the playlist: Burna Boy, Wu-Tang, Polyphia, Brasstracks, Keyshia Cole, Notorious BIG, Shaboozey, Flux Pavilion and Hozier.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
Piling into a car with four of my friends and cruising up and down Williamson Road. We would meet others at the Rally Restaurant and just joke around for hours.
What are some of your hobbies?
Currently, I am into digital cinematography. Focusing on being a colorist, which is what they call a person who color grades movies and commercials.
I’m also doing a lot of robotics and industrial design. I have friends who have ideas in their heads and want to see them as real products.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today without a teacher named Rodney Fulton. I didn’t have a computer when I was younger. In middle school, he allowed me to stay after class to play and experiment with all the technology.
I’d also say Dr. E. Wayne Harris, who started the Technology Assistant Program for Roanoke City Public Schools. I was one of the first three students hired to show teachers how to better use computers in the mid-1990s.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Trust your gut and launch that app you have been working on. Invest your next two paychecks in two companies. They will IPO soon, and you will question the risk and not take it. Jamal, these companies are Google and Bluetooth!!!!
