Cory Miller Wiki: Age, Net Worth, Girlfriend, Career, and Good Bones Journey
Whether he was wielding a sledgehammer or overseeing full-home overhauls, Cory Miller became a familiar face to HGTV fans across the country. From job site grit to founding his own company, his career reflects a blend of craftsmanship, leadership, and resilience.

Cory Miller is an Indianapolis-based construction expert, television personality, and entrepreneur best known for his role on HGTV’s Good Bones. He gained national recognition through eight seasons on the series, where he served as a lead project manager for Two Chicks and a Hammer, helping to transform homes across Indiana’s urban neighborhoods. In 2021, Cory launched his own company, Miller Built LLC, expanding his work into custom renovations, real estate consulting, and independent construction. Known for his practical skills, on-site leadership, and enduring collaborations, Cory remains a recognizable figure in the Midwest renovation community.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Cory William Miller was born on October 31, 1987 and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His mother is Cheryl Gast Miller, and his father, Dennis Miller, played a formative role in his upbringing—sharing time outdoors and working on projects like restoring vintage vehicles and riding tractors together. He is one of three siblings and grew up in a working-class Midwestern family.
Career Beginnings and Good Bones
Cory Miller’s journey into home renovation began through his longtime friendship with the Starsiak family, which dates back to their high school years in Indiana. In 2016, he officially joined their company, Two Chicks and a Hammer, taking on the role of project manager. That same year, he made his on-screen debut on HGTV’s Good Bones, quickly becoming a recognizable face and trusted construction lead throughout the series.
Across the show’s run, Cory was actively involved in transforming dozens of properties across Indianapolis neighborhoods such as Bates-Hendricks, Fountain Square, Old Southside, Beech Grove, and Irvington. He managed structural overhauls, new builds, and historically sensitive renovations that required balancing design with preservation codes.
One of Cory’s most talked-about appearances came during the show’s sixth season, when Two Chicks and a Hammer renovated his own personal home in the Old Southside neighborhood. The episode gave fans a direct look at his style preferences. After the televised renovation, Cory continued personalizing the home—most notably remodeling the kitchen with a full-height Carrara marble backsplash and adjusting the layout to better match his daily needs.
He also played a central role in high-impact projects such as the transformation of a former biker bar into a single-family residence, and a large-scale duplex redevelopment that posed structural and permitting challenges. These projects highlighted his problem-solving skills and leadership under pressure.
After eight successful seasons, Good Bones concluded in 2023. Cory remained involved through to the final episodes, even as internal shifts in team dynamics became more visible. His role in the show helped define its tone and credibility, especially in construction execution and job site planning.
Cory continues to live and work in Indiana. His renovation updates frequently feature his dog Lucy, who often appears alongside him at job sites and in behind-the-scenes posts.
Founding Miller Built LLC
In April 2021, Cory formally concluded his role with Two Chicks and a Hammer and established Miller Built LLC, his independent construction and renovation business. The company specializes in residential rehabs, custom renovations, and collaborative design services. Through partnerships like one with Momentum Realty, Cory has also expanded into real estate consulting and property preparation.
His projects include diverse ventures, such as a 2021 barn conversion in South Carolina and numerous Indianapolis-area builds. He has continued to share photos and updates from active job sites across Broad Ripple and surrounding neighborhoods.
In June 2024, Cory shared details about his own kitchen remodel using Italian Carrara marble for a full-height backsplash. In December 2024, he was seen reconnecting with Karen Laine to discuss collaborative home consultation opportunities—indicating his continued presence in the renovation and design space.
Return in Season 9
After the original Good Bones series concluded in 2023, Cory Miller returned in 2024 for the limited spin-off season. He was directly involved in several new renovation projects across Indianapolis and surrounding towns. Notably, Cory led a dual-structure build consisting of a duplex and carriage house, and managed a rural renovation that required adapting standard workflows to less familiar site conditions. These efforts reflected his ability to handle complex framing and structural issues under tight timelines.
Cory frequently collaborated with Karen Laine during the season, with whom he had an ongoing professional rapport. He also appeared in episodes alongside Austin Aynes and MJ, though not all cast members were involved in every project. His return ensured continuity in build quality and job site execution following the original show’s conclusion.
Tad Starsiak, who did not return for the season, addressed his absence in an August 2024 Facebook post directed to fans: “Thanks for missing me. I’m happy, content, and fulfilled.” While he chose to focus on his growing business, he added, “I’m so glad y’all are getting additional time with everyone—Karen, Mina, Cory, Austin, and MJ,” expressing support for the team’s ongoing work.
Relationship with Mina and Karen Laine
In 2023, Mina Starsiak Hawk publicly confirmed on her podcast that she and Cory Miller were no longer on speaking terms. She explained on her podcast, Mina AF, that they were no longer speaking due to personal and professional differences. She shared that there were “a couple things that happened towards the end” that she decided she “can’t move on from.” Despite this shift, Cory continued to participate in the 2024 spin-off season, contributing to core projects alongside Karen Laine and others.
Cory’s professional relationship with Karen Laine, however, remained collaborative. In December 2024, he shared an Instagram post posing with Karen in front of a graffiti-covered alley wall. In the caption, Cory described Karen as one of his best friends and hinted at teaming up for design and construction consultations: “We are the most fun you can have with your clothes on as Karen would say.” The post reflected both a personal warmth and a renewed professional synergy between the two.
In a December 17, 2023 Instagram post, Karen Laine shared a photo of Cory visiting her Wilmington house, writing, “@cory_miller30 visited my little Wilmington house! So much fun and nice to have an extra brain, and good attitude, for problem solving.” The caption, while lighthearted, clearly highlighted the continued trust and camaraderie between them. This public interaction—combined with their joint December 2024 appearance—confirms that their mutual respect and working relationship have remained strong even beyond the show’s original run.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Cory Miller’s estimated net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2 million. This estimate reflects his eight-season run as a lead construction figure on HGTV’s Good Bones, earnings from television appearances, and the steady growth of his independent construction company, Miller Built LLC. Additional revenue streams—such as real estate consulting, brand collaborations, and custom renovations—have also contributed to his financial profile. As the head of a successful local business with a growing client base, Cory continues to expand both his professional impact and earning potential.
Personal Life
Cory Miller is currently in a relationship with Kayla Gould, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduate. While the couple has not publicly confirmed a marriage, their shared posts and appearances suggest a long-term partnership. They reside together in Indiana and welcomed a Shih Tzu named Lucy Lou Miller into their home in September 2022. Cory and Kayla often share moments from their life together on social media, but maintain a relatively private approach when it comes to personal milestones. As of 2025, they do not have children.
Cory Miller Wiki Bio – Quick Facts
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Cory William Miller |
Birth Date | October 31, 1987 |
Age (as of 2025) | 37 years old |
Birthplace | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
Nationality | American |
Parents | Dennis Miller (Father), Cheryl Gast Miller (Mother) |
Siblings | 2 (Names not publicly disclosed) |
Relationship Status | In a relationship with Kayla Gould |
Children | None |
Occupation | Builder, Contractor, Television Personality |
Known For | Good Bones (HGTV) |
Business | Founder of Miller Built LLC |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1.5–2 million USD |
Dog | Lucy Lou Miller (Shih Tzu) |
Residence | Indiana, USA |