what business Larry Lourdemiller owned

What Business Did Larry Lourdemiller Own?

Discover what business Larry Lourdemiller owned, from the Utah Jazz to car dealerships, and how his legacy transformed industries and communities.

Larry H. Miller has become a household name in the circles of sports, car sales, and even going to the movie theater. He was that kind of man who scripted discrete success through business empires that still affect communities today, especially out west.

You might have heard that he owned the Utah Jazz, but few people understand how far his reach really went. Some even say his approach to business was so innovative that it was as if he could patent a business model for success. Let’s now take a closer look at some of the businesses that Larry H. Miller had and see just how his companies transformed industries and communities in the process. By the time you are done reading this article, you will be fully informed about how Larry Miller’s businesses were far-reaching and just as effective.

Larry H. Miller Automotive Group: Gearing Up the Car Business

Larry H. Miller Automotive Group_ Gearing Up the Car Business
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But it was to the car business that Larry H. Miller truly made his mark known. As a matter of fact, his success in the automotive industry was the very foundation upon which much of the empire he built stood. All that began in 1979 when he purchased a small Toyota dealership in Murray, Utah. What most people probably don’t realize is that this was no overnight success; it was the culmination of years of hard work and a sharp business sense.

Imagine this: an ambitious young entrepreneur who works around the clock just to build relations and secure the best available deals for his customers. Fast-forward to the present day, and the Larry H. Miller Automotive Group has over 60 dealerships across the United States in total. His dealerships sell everything from Toyotas to Chevrolets and Ford trucks. If you have ever entered a dealership store in Utah and other Western states, then there was a good chance that it belonged to him.

Larry’s philosophy was simple but successful: the customer is king. In other words, he did not simply want to sell cars; he wanted to create loyal customers. And he did. His dealerships have been known for great service, financing options, and overall friendly environments.

I once went into one of his dealerships, looking to buy a used car. I was a little apprehensive, having heard horror stories about high-pressure salespeople. That was not the case here: The staff was courteous, knowledgeable, and made sure that I understood all my options before making a decision. It was that kind of personal touch that distinguished Larry’s dealerships from all the rest.

Larry H. Miller’s Sports Investments: More Than Just the Utah Jazz

Now, let’s talk about Larry H. Miller’s love for sports. He was more than just a businessman, he was a true fan of the game. And, man, did his investment in sports make waves! His biggest, most public sports-related investment was the Utah Jazz, the NBA team that Larry purchased in 1985. At the time, the Jazz were struggling, but Larry saw potential. Under his leadership, the team went from being a low-tier franchise to one of the most recognizable teams in the NBA.

Larry H. Miller’s impact on the Utah Jazz was profound. He didn’t just provide financial backing; he built a culture around the team. He wanted the Jazz to be more than just a basketball team, they were meant to represent Utah. Fans didn’t just watch games; they felt like they were a part of something larger.

I’ll never forget the first time I attended a Jazz game at the Delta Center (now Vivint Arena). The energy in the air was electric. It was as if Larry had poured his heart into the team, and you could feel it in every jump shot and every slam dunk. It wasn’t just about winning games; it was about creating a community of Jazz fans who supported their team no matter what. The energy in the arena was palpable. It was clear that Larry had infused a little bit of his spirit into the team.

But Larry didn’t stop with the Utah Jazz. In 1994, he expanded his sports portfolio by purchasing the Salt Lake Bees, a minor league baseball team. Like the Jazz, the Bees thrived under his ownership. The success of both teams was a testament to Larry’s vision of blending business with passion.

Entertainment Ventures: Bringing Big Screens and Big Fun to Utah

When you think of Larry H. Miller, you might not immediately think of movie theaters, but trust me, he played a huge role in changing the way people experienced films. He was the proud owner of Megaplex Theatres, a chain of theaters that became a staple for moviegoers in Utah.

Imagine going to a movie, but instead of the usual cramped, uncomfortable seats, you’re sinking into plush recliners. That’s the kind of experience Larry wanted to offer. Under his leadership, Megaplex Theatres became synonymous with top-notch service and cutting-edge technology. From luxurious seating to high-definition screens, it was a movie experience like no other.

The theaters weren’t just about watching a film, they were about creating an experience that people would remember. I recall the first time I went to a Megaplex theater; the seats were so comfortable that I felt like I was in my living room. As the credits rolled, I thought to myself, “This is what a trip to the movies should feel like.” It’s no wonder Larry’s theaters quickly became the go-to spot for anyone looking to enjoy the latest blockbuster.

Prestige Financial Services: Beyond Cars and Into Financing

Larry H. Miller didn’t just focus on selling cars, he also understood the importance of providing financial services. That’s where Prestige Financial Services comes in. This company specialized in offering financing options for car buyers, which made it easier for people to get the vehicles they wanted, even if they didn’t have the best credit.

What made Prestige Financial Services stand out was its customer-first approach. They didn’t just treat customers as numbers, they wanted to help people secure financing in a way that worked for them. It was another example of Larry’s focus on building lasting relationships with his customers, whether they were buying a car or simply looking for financial guidance.

KJZZ-TV: Bringing Information to the People

Another gem in Larry H. Miller’s portfolio was KJZZ-TV, a television station based in Salt Lake City. This acquisition helped expand his influence beyond the automotive and sports industries. By owning a TV station, Larry was able to bring local news, entertainment, and sports to the people of Utah.

I’ve always admired Larry’s ability to recognize that success wasn’t just about one business, his interests spanned multiple sectors. KJZZ-TV became an essential part of the community, helping to foster a sense of connection between people and their local news. Whether you were tuning in for the latest Jazz game or just catching up on local headlines, Larry H. Miller’s reach was extensive.

Fanzz Sports Apparel: A Nod to His Love for the Game

Larry didn’t just want to own sports teams, he also wanted to offer fans a way to show their support. That’s why he invested in Fanzz, a chain of sports apparel stores that became a go-to spot for fans looking to represent their favorite teams.

From Utah Jazz jerseys to hats, Fanzz had it all. I remember going into one of their stores for the first time, and it felt like a haven for sports fans. Whether you were gearing up for a game or just wanted a souvenir, Fanzz offered everything you needed to show off your team spirit.

Miller Motorsports Park: A Playground for Racing Enthusiasts

If you’re into motorsports, Larry H. Miller’s investment in Miller Motorsports Park was a dream come true. Located in Tooele, Utah, the facility became one of the premier motorsports venues in the country. Whether you’re into car racing, motorcycle racing, or karting, Miller Motorsports Park had something for everyone.

I’ve always loved the idea of having a top-tier racing facility right in my backyard. It’s not every day that a city gets a world-class motorsports venue, but Larry made it happen. For racing enthusiasts, Miller Motorsports Park was like Mecca, a place to test their skills, watch thrilling races, and be a part of the action.

Larry H. Miller’s Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

What’s often overlooked about Larry H. Miller’s legacy is his commitment to giving back. Despite his immense success, Larry never forgot the importance of helping others. He made significant contributions to education, law enforcement, and various charitable causes.

For example, Larry funded the construction of the Larry H. Miller Campus at Salt Lake Community College. His charitable donations have also supported causes like the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, a premier professional cycling event, and programs that provide law enforcement training.

Larry’s philanthropic efforts remind us that success isn’t just about building wealth, it’s about using that wealth to make a positive impact on the community. And that’s exactly what Larry did.

Key Takings

  • Larry H. Miller wasn’t just a successful businessman, he was a visionary with a passion for people and his community.
  • His business empire included car dealerships, sports teams like the Utah Jazz, movie theaters, and even motorsports.
  • But what truly set him apart was his dedication to giving back. His legacy continues today, thanks to the hard work of his family and employees, and his impact on the Western U.S. is still going strong.
  • If you’ve ever driven a car from one of his dealerships, cheered on the Utah Jazz, or caught a movie at a Megaplex theater, you’ve experienced the lasting influence of Larry H. Miller.

Useful Resources:

  1. Behind the Drive: 99 Inspiring Stories from the Life of an American Entrepreneur: This book compiles nearly 100 personal stories that highlight Larry H. Miller’s impact as a philanthropist and visionary leader.
  2. The Tender Final Moments Between Two LDS Business Legends: An article from LDS Living that explores Larry Miller’s philanthropy and generosity, featuring excerpts from “Behind the Drive.”

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