The American Dream needs more owners | Tammy Miller | TEDxFargo

Most Americans spend decades working for companies, yet few ever get the opportunity to own part of one. That simple difference often explains why some workers build lasting wealth while others struggle to get ahead.

In this TEDxFargo talk, Tammy Miller explores the transformative power of employee ownership—a model that gives employees the opportunity to share in the value they help create. Employee ownership may be one of the most scalable and inclusive wealth-building opportunities in America. As the nation faces a historic transfer of business ownership, it presents a rare opportunity to broaden prosperity, preserve local businesses, strengthen communities, and reimagine what it means to achieve the American Dream.
Tammy J. Miller is a business executive, board leader, and public servant dedicated to helping organizations, communities, and individuals reach their full potential.

Miller previously served as the 39th Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota, where she championed economic development, workforce initiatives, innovation, and policies that strengthened businesses and communities across the state.

Prior to public service, she spent 29 years at Border States, one of the nation's largest 100% employee-owned companies. Beginning as Accounting Manager, she advanced through leadership roles of increasing responsibility. From 2006 to 2020, during her tenure as CEO and Board Chair, she led the company through a period of transformational growth, increasing annual sales from $485 million to nearly $2.5 billion while reinforcing its employee-owned culture and positioning the company for sustained growth.

Today, Miller serves on the board of a publicly traded company. She is a founder and board chair of the North Dakota Center for Employee Ownership, where she advances employee ownership as a proven strategy for business succession, employee wealth creation, and stronger communities. She also coaches business leaders and serves as board chair of the Plains Art Museum.

Miller has received numerous leadership honors, including an Honorary Doctor of Business from Minnesota State University Moorhead in recognition of her contributions to business, public service, and community leadership. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx