Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

184: The Colorblind Tulip Farmer: Revolutionizing Rural Economic Development with Andrew Miller

Jul 28, 2025

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In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Andrew Miller, a multi-faceted leader who serves as CEO of both the United Way of Skagit County and Tulip Valley Farms, as well as commissioner at Skagit PUD. Miller shares his unique journey from working at major tech companies like Amazon to returning home to Skagit County as an economic developer, only to eventually become the entrepreneur he had been encouraging others to be. The conversation explores the challenges economic developers face when advocating for entrepreneurship and innovation, the resistance to change in established systems, and Miller's decision to "walk the walk" by purchasing a farm business when others wouldn't take the leap.

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

Look for gaps in existing industries where innovation can create new business models (like adding U-pick to traditional tulip festivals)
Study successful elements from adjacent industries and adapt them to your community's assets
Create bridges between urban and rural communities through experiential tourism
Focus on finding and selling what's remarkable about your community to people willing to pay for it
Combine unexpected elements (like Scottish Highland cows with tulips) to create unique attractions
Make agriculture and rural life accessible to urban neighbors who lack farming connections
Consider compound risks when developing agritourism ventures (weather for growing AND weather for visitors)
Use personal availability and storytelling to create authentic connections with visitors
Help passionate people in your community turn their interests into viable businesses
Remember that credentials matter less than passion and willingness to learn in entrepreneurship

Special Guest: Andrew Miller.