From the very beginning, Larry H. Miller had the philosophy: "Have a little fun, make a little money and take care of the customer."
This belief is what has motivated thousands of employees for decades and propelled a simple beginning in the automotive parts industry to one of the largest privately owned companies in the western United States.
"The Larry Miller Group is pleased to support EDCUtah in its mission to foster economic growth in Utah," says Gail Miller, owner of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies. "We know from running our businesses that quality growth and meaningful employment in Utah are important to the continued success of our state. We are grateful that EDCUtah is made up of such a dynamic team of people with a daily focus on growing Utah's economic base."
The Larry H. Miller Group of Companies (LHM Group) has doubled its size in terms of revenue and number of employees over the past five years. It now encompasses more than 80 businesses that span 46 states and employs more than 10,000 people. More than half of these employees reside in Utah, with the company's headquarters located in Sandy and its sports properties based at EnergySolutions Arena in Salt Lake City. LHM Group businesses fall into six primary areas: automotive, finance, insurance, real estate, sports and retail.
"As our business grew, I asked Larry 'Why do you want another car dealership or sports team?'" says Miller. "His answer was always, 'Just think of how many more people we can provide meaningful jobs to so that they can support their families.'"
Located at the corporate headquarters in Sandy, the Larry H. Miller Management Corporation (LHMMC) serves the six areas of operation for the company: Miller Automotive Operations, Total Care Auto, Prestige Financial Services, Miller Family Real Estate, Miller Sports Properties and Miller Retail Properties.
The goal of the employees who work for LHMMC is to help the companies operate efficiently, grow and prosper while maintaining the short and long-term vision of the LHM Group.
Specific areas of service include: corporate governance, long-term strategy, mergers and acquisitions, finance and related services, communications and community relations, legal, internet technology, human resources, marketing, special events, charitable endeavors and government relations.
Larry H. Miller Dealerships operates 55 stores in seven western states, representing 21 automotive brands. It is the fourth largest privately owned dealership group in the country.
Sports properties include the NBA Utah Jazz; MiLB Triple-A Salt Lake Bees; Miller Performance, consisting of Miller Motorsports Park, the Ford Racing School and Oneiro; EnergySolutions Arena; KJZZ 14 Television; The Zone Sports Network (97.5 FM, 1280 AM); Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah professional cycling race; and All-Star Catering.
Larry H. Miller Retail Properties include 121 Fanzz sports stores located across the country; 18 Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres in Utah and Nevada with 193 movie screens; and Saxton Horne Communications, a full-service advertising and communications agency.
Established in 1996, Miller Family Real Estate purchases, develops and manages properties for the LHM Group and some third-party tenants. It has more than 100 locations in its portfolio spanning seven western states. Each year, the company adds more than 30 new projects to its portfolio as the LHM Group continues to grow.
Prestige Financial is a premier provider of consumer financial solutions for both franchised and independent automobile dealerships across America. With a successful track record dating back to 1994, Prestige is recognized throughout the industry for its strong portfolio performance and innovative lending programs.
Total Care Auto has been providing service and coverage to customers for over 30 years. Its reputation and products have truly proven themselves over time. Total Care Auto is the comprehensive solution to insuring, protecting and maintaining vehicles. Products include service protection, ID theft protection, vehicle theft registration, gap coverage, accidental death and disability plans and prepaid maintenance and appearance protection plans.
With a long-standing commitment to the state of Utah and its people, Gail Miller has a strong legacy of giving back to the communities where the LHM Group conducts business. This includes financial contributions as well as her time and service and that of Group employees.
Gail and Larry created the Larry H. Miller Education Foundation, which awards college and trade school scholarships to dependent children of her employees. Meanwhile, the Driven 2 Teach program takes Utah high school American history teachers to important historical sites throughout the United States for hands-on learning seminars and Larry H. Miller Charities donates to qualified non-profit organizations. The Millers also established the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, which supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational programs.
With so much evolving and changing since the first dealership opened its doors, Miller says one thing remains constant—the continuing mission to enrich lives and exceed the expectations of customers, employees and the community as a whole. This unyielding goal to be the benchmark for excellence in every aspect of business is what has propelled the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies to become what it is today. And it is this mission and philosophy that will undoubtedly continue to move it forward.
