September 24, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of Edinburgh Business Stories, we’re joined by Scott J Miller, Managing Director of Compass Roofing, a family business with deep roots in the city and a reputation built over decades.
Scott shares his journey from leaving school at Christmas and knocking on doors for an apprenticeship, to leading one of Edinburgh’s most trusted roofing companies. From the black donkey jackets and ankle-cutting boots of the 1980s, to shaping Compass into a modern business that still holds onto its traditional values, his story is as honest as it is inspiring.
He talks about the early days of growing a name, why Compass was designed to stand out in the Yellow Pages, the lessons learned from apprentices past and present, and why his business plan has always been simple: do good work, spend less than you earn, and make sure everyone gets home safe.
If you’re building a trade business, thinking about apprenticeships, or simply enjoy stories of local businesses that have stood the test of time, this is one to watch.
Scott shares his journey from leaving school at Christmas and knocking on doors for an apprenticeship, to leading one of Edinburgh’s most trusted roofing companies. From the black donkey jackets and ankle-cutting boots of the 1980s, to shaping Compass into a modern business that still holds onto its traditional values, his story is as honest as it is inspiring.
He talks about the early days of growing a name, why Compass was designed to stand out in the Yellow Pages, the lessons learned from apprentices past and present, and why his business plan has always been simple: do good work, spend less than you earn, and make sure everyone gets home safe.
If you’re building a trade business, thinking about apprenticeships, or simply enjoy stories of local businesses that have stood the test of time, this is one to watch.
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.