Mary Miller was looking for a retirement adventure when she and two others met with the sellers of a business that roasted and packaged nuts. They had one afternoon to learn the basics of roasting, packaging, permits and regulations and made the decision to invest and started cooking that very afternoon. Two years later, Mary bought out her two partners and is now the sole owner of Totally Nuts, a business that sells signature cinnamon-roasted almonds, cashews and pecans along with chocolate, Cajun, salted and sugar free varieties. She mostly sells out of a bright red refurbished concession bus found at street festivals, fairs and sporting events and they now have a storefront as well.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
That’s a hard one to answer. We’ve had so many small successes that keep me inspired. Just watching our growth has been a blessing. Prior to that, I’d have to say pursuing and receiving my masters degree at Old Dominion in Norfolk, VA, a two-hour round trip commute while working full time with kids at home and a husband on sea duty.
Tell us a little about your family.
My two daughters, Shannon Koch and Lori Miller, live in Lincoln with their husbands Bill and Brad and my adorable grandchildren Andrea, Carter and Calvin. My husband Bill and I are enjoying it all. He also has family in Maine, which we try to visit once a year.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
My dad died in 1991 and mom passed last year. Don’t much care for not having parents in my life.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Watching clouds while floating on a raft in our pool or go shopping.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
When I was in kindergarten at Prescott School, I painted a watercolor which was chosen to tour nationally. Miller and Paine displayed the winning paintings and sponsored a send-off reception at the tea room. White gloves all around.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A co-worked once told me, “You can’t unscramble eggs.” Works for me.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
To visit Greece and see all the white buildings. I have a thing for white.
How would your friends describe you?
Nutty – get it?
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would LOVE to have an awesome singing voice … and carpentry skills.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t mind being mistaken for Jennifer Aniston.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
My favorite book is This One and Magic Life by Anne Carroll George. I also read and reread Adrianna Trigiani and Elizabeth Berg.
What is your favorite movie?
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
What is your favorite TV show?
Law and Order, SVU – or America’s Funniest Home Videos – hard to stop laughing at that one.
What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant?
Buzzard Billy’s in the Haymarket
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Bette Midler, hands down.
What is the best way to contact you?
Come see us at our new store at 4220 S 33rd St., Lower level or visit us online www.totallynutsllc.com.