Pugh founded the Denton, Texas-based company Reaper Miniatures in 1992, which produces pewter and plastic  25 to 35 mm scale science fiction and fantasy miniatures. Pugh's storied games industry career is one of a true miniatures-making pioneer. One of Reaper's early hit products came under his leadership, when they launched the Scrye Counter series miniatures in 1994. This life counter became an iconic collectible card game accessory for many fans of Magic: The Gathering.

Pugh's most successful and possibly the biggest part of his legacy was the Bones miniatures line. Under his leadership, Reaper launched one of the most successful early Kickstarter campaigns, Dark Heaven: Bones, which raised over $3.4 million in 2012, at the time the largest tabletop game Kickstarter in history (see "Reaper Kickstarter Raises $3.4 Million").

Reaper requests that those who wish to honor his memory donate to an animal shelter of their choice.