Rentec Direct, Grants Pass, Oregon, United States: Nathan Miller

Company: Rentec Direct, Grants Pass, OR
Company Description: Founded in 2007, Rentec Direct offers award-winning property management software and tenant screening solutions for real estate professionals featuring online rent payments, a mobile app, vacancy listing syndication and accounting tools. The company has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for eight years and ranks among the U.S. Chamber’s Top 100 Small Businesses.
Nomination Category: Entrepreneur Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Entrepreneur - Real Estate
2024 Stevie Winner Nomination Title: Nathan Miller
  1. Which will you submit for this nomination, an essay of up to 650 words about the achievements of the nominated entrepreneur since January 1 2023, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes about the same? CHOOSE ONE:
    An essay of up to 650 words
  2. If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:

     

  3. If you are providing an essay of up to 650 words, place it in this space:

     

    Total 649 words used.

    From Startup to Success 

    Nathan Miller, a real estate investor frustrated by a lack of property management tools, was his own first customer. Leveraging self-taught programming skills and a single out-of-pocket expense, he created the first version of Rentec Direct property management software. Initially offering it for free to collect feedback from other landlords, Nathan rapidly iterated the product. 17 years later, Nathan has transformed Rentec into the third-largest platform in its sector, generating over $14 million in annual revenue and serving customers nationwide. 

    Nathan’s strategic growth approach includes maintaining a lean, efficient team of 20, with each new hire positioned to generate revenue exceeding their salary costs. He continues to serve as the company’s president while remaining hands-on as a software developer, continuously improving his product to better meet the evolving needs of customers.

    Bootstrapped Brilliance 

    By focusing on sustainable, organic growth, Nathan has kept Rentec profitable and 100% debt-free. He prioritizes long-term stability and independence, declining over 100 inquiries from interested buyers and investors each year to preserve value for his customers, employees, and community.

    Thought Leadership & Community Engagement 

    Nathan’s influence extends beyond Rentec. As a member of the Forbes Business Council, Entrepreneur Leadership Network, and Inc. Masters, he actively shares his expertise and insights with fellow entrepreneurs to elevate the real estate industry. He collaborates with national and regional housing associations, advises other investors, and frequently shares industry knowledge on podcasts. Nathan is a founding member of several other companies, including VISP.net and 14k Properties. 

    Locally, Nathan serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board and sits on the Historical Buildings and Sites Commission where he addresses economic development and housing issues. To tackle local housing needs, Nathan has devoted personal time and resources to the development of several workforce housing projects. 

    Philanthropy is a core value at Rentec, and the company is involved in community initiatives with the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, and the Boys & Girls Club. Nathan is a strong believer in empowering the next generation of technology leaders and awards annual scholarships through the Tech Mastery program.

    Trailblazing Growth & Innovation 

    With Nathan at the helm, Rentec has been on Inc. Magazine’s fastest-growing private companies list for eight consecutive years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also selected Rentec as one of America’s top 100 small businesses in 2024, and the company received the Business Excellence Award from its local Chamber in 2023. 

    Nathan continues to push the boundaries of innovation. In 2023, he personally developed Rentec Direct’s AI-powered rental listing generator, making it the first property management software to integrate artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, Rentec has implemented over 375 product upgrades and new features, forged software integrations with industry partners including ShowMojo, PetScreening, and Tenant Turner, and launched a mobile app in 2024. 

    A Commitment to Company Culture 

    Nathan fosters a collaborative company culture that has led to long-term employee retention. Rentec hosts regular group activities like catered lunches, ping pong tournaments, chili cookoffs, and rafting trips, earning recognition as one of the best 100 companies to work for in Oregon in 2024. He also prioritizes employee development, launching a new training initiative in 2023 that devotes hundreds of hours to employee education in customer service, property management compliance, and technical skills.

    Nathan consciously hires local talent and keeps company headquarters in Southern Oregon to maintain his personal connection to the team and strengthen the local workforce.

    Vision for the Future 

    As a traded sector company, Nathan is proud to bring new revenue into his local economy and remains committed to growth. 100% of profits are reinvested into supporting employees and local businesses. Nathan plans to maintain full ownership of Rentec while staying closely involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring long-term success and community impact.

    Outside of the office, Nathan is a dedicated father of three, actively balancing his business success with a commitment to family.

     

  4. In bullet-list form, briefly summarize up to ten (10) of the chief accomplishments of this nominated entrepreneur since the beginning of 2023.

     

    Total 150 words used.

    • Gold Stevie® Award Winner for Entrepreneur of the Year in the 21st Annual American Business Awards 

    • Placed on Inc. Magazine’s list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for the eighth consecutive year – an exclusive milestone

    • Achieved $14 million in annual revenue while remaining 100% debt-free and independently owned 

    • Sustained 75% three-year growth rate after 17 years in business

    • Selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America and awarded Business Excellence honors by the local Chamber of Commerce

    • Pioneered an AI-powered rental listing generator, positioning Rentec as the first property management software to integrate artificial intelligence 

    • Named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon, celebrated for a positive, supportive workplace culture that prioritizes employees 

    • Awarded four scholarships through the Tech Mastery Scholarship Program

    • Led philanthropic initiatives including six years of participation in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program

     

Attachments/Videos/Links:
Nathan Miller
URL [REDACTED FOR PUBLICATION]