“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.” - Pat Miller

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Entreprenuer, Business Owner, Women in Construction, Author, Motivational Speaker, Host, Podcaster, Karma Ass Kicker and Proud Underdog.

Stop Waiting for Permission. Start Building the Life You Deserve.

You're driven, competitive, and full of untapped potential—but you feel stuck following someone else's playbook. I'm Pat Miller, and I help ambitious women who weren't handed the roadmap turn their underdog status into their greatest advantage through my Growing with the Underdog framework.

Ready to stop playing small?

I help you discover how to use self-awareness, strategy, and scrappy resilience to build a business and life that actually fits.

Speaking: Looking for a speaker who tells the unvarnished truth? Learn more about speaking

Podcasting: Are you someone who has their own Underdog to Entrepreneur story to share?  Learn more about being a guest on my podcast

Experience You Can Trust Quality You Can See!

Founded by Pat Miller, Blue Diamond Construction has been quietly building New Jersey for more than 30 years. A certified women-owned business specializing in commercial carpentry and metal framing, it has played an integral role in the revitalization of iconic Asbury Park, as well as communities like Brick, Jackson, Howell, Woodbridge, South Brunswick, Kenilworth and North Bergen. It manages large scale commercial projects from medical facilities, office and apartment buildings to cafes, churches and shopping centers. Essentially, places that people use every day and create neighborhoods where families thrive.

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Kicking Karma’s Ass: Unbelievable Stories of Strength, Resilience and Perseverance, All Told with a Twist of Humor

As an entrepreneur, woman in construction, mother and wife, Miller’s life has always been full – and full of surprises. But several years ago, those surprises became almost unbearable. Within the space three years, she lost both her parents, her brother and the love of her life – her husband and business partner, Ray. And, in the process of caring for them all, she also almost lost her business, too. It was the impetus to write her book which recounts her “phoenixing up” and out of grief to rebuild her life both personally and professionally. Told with gritty wit and even grittier wisdom, Miller offers up stories from her life that are funny, sad, charming, heartbreaking – and always real. It is an inspirational tale of pulling up your boots – in this case, a steel-toed, designer pair – and getting on with life.

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Behind the Blueprint

A web series hosted by Blue Diamond Construction founder and president Pat Miller, each season of Behind the Blueprint transports viewers to the job site to see what it’s like to transform a space from nothing into something that is used by people everyday, such as restaurants, retail spaces and gyms/fitness centers.

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Everybody Loves Pat!

- Evelyn Davila, Project Management Professional

“While exploring the construction field and looking to connect with industry professionals in NJ, I came across Patricia Miller’s [LinkedIn] profile. Pat immediately extended a warm welcome when I reached out to her, and I am grateful for her hospitality. After learning that Pat wrote a book called Kicking Karma’s Ass, I was intrigued to read it and learn more about her journey and what made her so successful. In the book, Pat shares stories of her upbringing and how she gained business skills early on. She also talks about the heartbreak of losing several family members in a short period. The losses were devastating. The resilience she exhibited during those tough times is truly inspiring. Pat’s ability to persevere, maintain a positive outlook through life’s challenges, and to continue to run a commercial construction company by herself is incredible!”

- Ingrid Baird, Lieutenant, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office and Crisis Team Negotiator for the Hudson County SWAT Team.

“It’s important to share stories that empower women, to give hope to those who just can’t seem to see the silver lining in every cloud… This book will take you through Pat’s journey of overcoming obstacles that would be best categorized as climbing Mount Everest, barefoot. No matter what life threw her way, she made a conscious decision to win. Pat overcomes chaos with a smile and definitely with a good pair of boots because no one knows how to kick karma’s ass like she does.”

- Ruth Lukshis

“I happen to know Pat personally, but haven’t seen her since her brother Jim’s funeral. It was heartbreaking to read all the challenges she faced in the years following. That being said, I’m not at all surprised she rose to the challenge and ‘kicked ass!’ She’s always been an amazing person - strong and caring. I found her journey to success very inspiring. Next time I’m overwhelmed, I will grab and reread Kicking Karma’s Ass - and know that I can do anything if I work at it.”

- Ronald S. Marvo, Host, Great American Underdog Podcast

“Pat’s story reminds us that there are no accidents or coincidences.  The universe has a way of sending us messages and helping to lift us out of some of our darkest times.  I’m so blown away and inspired by her resilience, perseverance and courage to keep moving forward.  If you are going through a challenging time and looking for inspiration, I guarantee Pat and her book will help you find the energy to push forward.”

- Michelangelo Amantia

“You know how they say when certain people speak you, you MUST listen and listen intently. Once again, Pat is one of those people. She has an energy and an aura that’s so rare. I’m blessed to have crossed paths with her. And I know her many clients, vendors and employees all feel the same way. It’s the key to her success in business and in life.”

- Nabil N. Mijalli

"Books possess the unique ability to stir a wide range of emotions and encourage us to reflect on our own lives and relationships. This book, in particular, had a profound impact on me, leading me to contemplate themes such as preparing for the unexpected, coping with personal loss, and navigating the complexities of human relationships. These themes are universally relatable, and it's fascinating how the book's portrayal of them prompted introspection and encouraged me to cherish and invest in my own relationships with loved ones.”