ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, November 10, 1996              TAG: 9611110087
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 


NEW TO THE VALLEY

VALLEY PAINT & DECORATING

Owner: Duane M. Mills

Location: 1326 South Main St., Blacksburg (next to Harris Teeter)

Phone: 951-3404

Hours: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday.

Products and Services: Valley Paint & Decorating sells high-quality Benjamin Moore paints and wall-coverings and emphasizes some of the most up-to-date techniques and materials, such as faux paint finishes, which have been more readily available in other areas. The finishes, which can be seen at the store, add a unique texture and depth to paint, and can be easier to use than wallpaper. The store's customers are about half contractors and half walk-in homeowners, Mills said. He said the store's income is close to what he anticipated when he opened in April.

About the Owner: Mills, 31, is the son of Robert L. Mills, a local architect and partner in Mills, Oliver & Webb. After working as a control systems engineer in Raleigh, N.C., Mills moved back to the New River Valley. He said he enjoys owning a business because "I just like basically being in control of my time and being able to come up with an idea and implement it." Mills said he also likes the spontaneity of working with customers and trying to figure out what they want.


LENGTH: Short :   34 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  (headshot) Mills






























by CNB