Landon Milz missed the home opener for the Lake Forest Scouts a year ago, his senior season, as the defenseman was celebrating and working toward his future.
A fan contest from DriveSmart featured a paint scheme competition and the person with the most votes was flown to the Texas Motor Speedway. The design Milz made for the contest won and was wrapped in vinyl and put onto a NASCAR for a race on national TV.
“The grand prize was getting to see your design on a racecar in-person,” Milz said. “I was shocked, excited and optimistic to what the future has in store for me,” after winning the contest.
Milz, 19, who lives in Lake Forest is now attending school at Iowa State University, has stayed involved in NASCAR.
“Once I made one connection (with NASCAR), it led to another and I quickly was able to create my own network and grow myself into making my own business and working with major companies and clients,” said Milz, who has traveled this year to select NASCAR events, working hands-on at the track to capture content and grow his brand with his clients.
Milz has designed three NASCAR Xfinity Series paint schemes. In addition, he’s designed local short track paint schemes. His creative ideas can be seen on the cars of Kyle Weatherman, #91, (DriveSmart); Sheldon Creed, #18, (FOJ Foundation); and Natalie Decker, #92 (Walmart/BikiniZone).
Milz said designing a NASCAR paint scheme is stress-filled, including meeting all sponsorship requirements. “I have meetings with the sponsor to go over what content will be on the car,” he said. “I’m lucky that most of the time I’m given free rein on the design and get to use my imagination. I also want to represent the brand in a way that appeals for customers.”
Seeing his design on a car “is a remarkable feeling,” he said.
Did hockey help your venture into the world of NASCAR?
Yes, he said, without hesitation.
“Hockey is big with communication; you have to be a good communicator,” he said. “In business, having great communication skills is essential to success. Hockey taught me teamwork and communication skills.”
A right-handed shooting defenseman, Milz played his youth hockey for the Highland Park Falcons. Last season, he led the Scouts in goals and points among defensemen.
Milz also for the past five years has been an on-ice official – and he earned assignments last season to officiate the high school state tournament. He will continue officiating local and junior hockey in both Iowa and Illinois.
Last season, Milz officiated more than 150 games, including AAA, club college and juniors. “It didn’t matter what level I was working, I loved skating these games,” he said.
“My senior year in high school was wild,” he said. “I needed to take work calls and join meetings in the middle of high school classes. I had to manage a full-time job while playing hockey and juggling a bunch of things most high schoolers don’t expect to deal with.”
Milz said his long-term goal is to land a creative director position for a race team.
“Every day is a new day and new tasks and projects come up,” he said. “I never know what exactly is next; I’m always ready for the next big thing.”
SLAPSHOTS WITH … Former Lake Forest Defenseman Landon Milz
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
Favorite NHL Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Rudy
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Pre-game Meal: Pasta
Favorite app: Instagram
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Aaron Rodgers
Best High School Uniform (other than Lake Forest): York 2023 alternate jersey