Larry H. Miller Dealerships — Comprehensive Dealer Group Profile

Overview

Larry H. Miller Dealerships (LHM Auto) is a privately held automotive dealership group headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and one of the largest privately owned dealership organizations in the Western United States. With approximately 60 dealership rooftops across 10 states and estimated annual revenue of approximately $4.1 billion, LHM Auto is the automotive retail division of the Larry H. Miller Company (formerly the Larry H. Miller Group), a diversified family-owned enterprise that also owns the Utah Jazz NBA franchise, the Salt Lake Bees (Minor League Baseball), Megaplex Theatres, Prestige Financial Services, and other ventures.

The group was founded by the late Larry H. Miller (1944–2009), a larger-than-life figure who built his business empire from humble beginnings. Miller's personal story — starting as an auto parts stock clerk earning $1.10 per hour, buying his first small stake in a Toyota dealership in 1979, and eventually building a multi-billion-dollar business empire while also saving the Utah Jazz from relocation — is one of the most compelling narratives in American business. Following his death in 2009, the company has been led by his wife Gail Miller (as Chair) and his sons Steve Miller (CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company) and Bryan Miller (President of the automotive division).

In September 2021, LHM Auto sold the majority of its dealership network — approximately 54 rooftops — to Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE: ABG) for $3.2 billion in one of the largest dealership acquisitions in U.S. history. The sale included the Total Care Auto (TCA) vehicle protection plan business. As part of the deal, Asbury agreed to continue operating the acquired dealerships under the Larry H. Miller brand name, which is why lhmauto.com still carries the Miller name. The Miller family retained a small number of dealerships plus all non-automotive assets (Megaplex Theatres, Prestige Financial Services, Salt Lake Bees, and a minority stake in the Utah Jazz). Today, most locations operating under the Larry H. Miller name are part of the Asbury Automotive Group network.

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Company Snapshot

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History & Founding

Larry H. Miller: The Early Years (1944–1979)

Lawrence Horne West — later known as Larry H. Miller — was born on April 26, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and he was adopted by his stepfather Frank Soren Miller in 1949, taking the Miller surname. He grew up in modest circumstances and struggled in school despite being a National Merit Scholar, dropping out of college after just six weeks.

Miller's early career was a series of jobs in the automotive industry:

• American Auto Parts (1964): Started at $1.10/hour stocking shelves, making deliveries, and cleaning
• Bountiful Motors: Worked in the parts department; left when the dealership failed to honor a promised raise
• Paint and Piston body shop: Earned $425/month
• Gresh and Jerry's Chevron: Gas station attendant earning $450/month
• Peck and Shaw GMC-Toyota: Parts department; chose to lead the Toyota side
• Main Motors: Parts manager; turned the department around but left after the owner refused to share profits as promised
• Burt Chevrolet-Toyota (Colorado): Toyota parts manager

Throughout these early jobs, Miller experienced repeated instances of employers breaking promises about compensation. These experiences profoundly shaped his management philosophy: he resolved to always treat employees fairly, pay them what they were worth, and honor commitments — a philosophy that would become a cornerstone of his business success.

Breaking Out: Chuck Stevinson Toyota (1971–1977)

In 1971, Miller joined Chuck Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood, Colorado, tasked with turning around their parts department. He succeeded spectacularly: by his second year, the department had the highest parts sales of any Toyota dealership in America.

Miller's innovation was simple but powerful: instead of focusing solely on the local market, he built a national wholesale business for Toyota parts. During the 1973 energy crisis, he bought the entire wholesale stock of locking gas caps — a product in high demand — from the only two manufacturers. This kind of entrepreneurial thinking earned him increasingly senior roles at Stevinson, including operations manager for all five Toyota locations.

However, when Stevinson's sons entered the business, Miller was asked to mentor them. Recognizing limited advancement potential, Miller began exploring opportunities on his own.

The First Dealership (1979)

In 1979, Larry Miller bought a small stake in a Toyota dealership in Lyman, Utah — a tiny town on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. This was the beginning of LHM Auto. Miller rapidly expanded by acquiring struggling dealerships, turning them around through better management, and reinvesting profits into additional acquisitions.

His formula was consistent:

1. Identify underperforming dealerships in growing markets
2. Acquire them at favorable valuations
3. Install better management and systems
4. Build scale through reinvestment
5. Treat customers and employees with integrity

The Utah Jazz Acquisition (1985)

In 1985, Miller learned that the Utah Jazz — the NBA team that had been in Salt Lake City since 1979 (relocated from New Orleans) — was on the verge of relocation. The team's owner, Sam Battistone, was struggling financially and considering moving the franchise.

Miller stepped in and purchased the team for approximately $22 million. The acquisition was both a business investment and a civic commitment — Miller believed Salt Lake City deserved an NBA franchise and was determined to keep the Jazz in Utah.

The Jazz acquisition had a transformative effect on the dealership group:

• Brand recognition: The Miller name became synonymous with professional sports in Utah
• Customer trust: Ownership of a beloved NBA team generated enormous goodwill
• Business relationships: The Jazz opened doors to corporate partnerships and community connections
• Marketing platform: Jazz games and broadcasts became powerful marketing channels for the dealerships

The Empire Grows (1985–2009)

Over the next two decades, LHM Auto grew into one of the largest privately held dealership groups in America. By the time of Miller's death in 2009, the group operated more than 60 dealerships across multiple states.

Miller also diversified into other businesses:

• Megaplex Theatres — movie theater chain
• Jordan Commons — restaurant and entertainment complex
• Miller Motorsports Park — racetrack (later sold)
• Prestige Financial Services — captive finance company
• KJZZ-TV — independent television station (Salt Lake City)
• Fanzz — sports apparel chain (sold 2018)
• The Delta Center — arena (now named the Delta Center again after various naming rights agreements)

Larry H. Miller's Final Years

Larry Miller passed away on February 20, 2009, at the age of 64, after a prolonged battle with complications from diabetes. His funeral was a major event in Utah, attended by NBA officials, former President Gordon B. Hinckley, and thousands of community members.

His legacy is based not only on his business success but on his philanthropic contributions and the example he set. Two of his most frequently quoted principles:

• "Do right, treat people fairly, and the rest will follow"
• "If you look after your people, they'll look after your customers, and the business will take care of itself"

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The Asbury Sale (2021) — What Was Sold vs. What Remains

One of the most significant events in LHM Auto's recent history was the $3.2 billion sale of 54 dealerships to Asbury Automotive Group, which closed on September 29, 2021. Understanding this transaction is essential to understanding the current LHM Auto.

What Was Sold

The dealerships sold to Asbury included:

• 54 dealership rooftops across Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Utah, and Washington
• Strong Toyota, Lexus, and luxury brand concentration
• Total Care Auto (TCA) — a vehicle protection plan business
• Seven Toyota and Lexus stores were subsequently divested by Asbury to comply with manufacturer franchise ownership caps

Why It Was Sold

The Miller family made the strategic decision to sell a significant portion of the dealership network for several reasons:

• Succession planning: With the founder gone, the family sought to simplify the business
• Focus on core remaining assets: The family retained dealerships in its strongest markets
• Fair valuation: The automotive retail market was at a cyclical peak
• Asbury's offer: Asbury was willing to pay a premium for scale in the Western U.S.

What Remains

After the sale, the Miller family retained approximately 60 dealership rooftops across its core Western markets. The retained dealerships:

• Continue to operate under the Larry H. Miller Dealerships banner
• Are managed by the family through LHM Auto
• Represent a strong mix of domestic, import, and luxury brands
• Include the group's Utah stronghold where LHM remains the dominant player
• Are considered long-term holdings with no plans for further sales

Current Post-Sale Profile

The post-sale LHM Auto is actually larger (by store count) than many realize — the 60 retained rooftops still make it one of the largest private dealer groups in the country. The sale removed some of the group's highest-revenue stores (luxury and Toyota) but left a still-substantial operation.

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Geographic Footprint

Larry H. Miller Dealerships operates across approximately 10 states, with its heaviest concentration in Utah and the Intermountain West.

Corporate Headquarters: 9400 South State Street, Sandy, Utah (Salt Lake City metro area)

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Brands & Franchises

Larry H. Miller Dealerships represents a broad portfolio of domestic, import, and luxury brands:

Domestic Brands

Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram

Japanese Brands

Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Infiniti, Subaru, Mazda

Korean Brands

Hyundai, Kia

European/Luxury Brands

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo

Used-Car Brand: Drive

LHM operates a used-car superstore chain called Drive, a no-haggle used-vehicle retail brand with locations throughout the Western U.S. Drive positions itself as a straightforward, low-pressure alternative to traditional dealerships, with fixed pricing and a focus on the online-to-offline purchase experience.

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Revenue & Financial Performance

Financial characteristics:

• Privately held: Financial details are not publicly reported
• Debt-reduced post-sale: The $3.2 billion Asbury transaction significantly deleveraged the family
• Diversified revenue: LHM Auto benefits from the Miller family's other business ventures
• Conservative management: The family takes a long-term approach to capital allocation

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Ownership & Leadership

Ownership Structure

Larry H. Miller Dealerships is 100% privately held by the Miller family, operating under the umbrella of the Larry H. Miller Company.

Following Larry Miller's death in 2009, ownership was structured to:

• Keep the business within the family
• Provide for his wife Gail Miller and their children
• Maintain the founder's legacy and values
• Support the family's philanthropic mission

The Larry H. Miller Company oversees the dealerships along with the Utah Jazz, Megaplex Theatres, and other ventures.

Key Executives

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Community & Philanthropy

The Miller family is among the most philanthropic families in the Intermountain West. Their charitable activities are organized through the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation:

• Education: $36 million donation to the University of Utah for an eye institute; scholarships for Utah students
• Arts & Culture: Major supporter of the arts in Utah
• Healthcare: Donations to hospitals and medical research
• Community Development: Support for affordable housing and community centers
• Sports & Recreation: Youth sports programs and facilities

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Key Milestones Timeline

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Analysis & Outlook

Strengths

• Diversified family enterprise: Non-automotive revenue provides stability during downturns
• Utah Jazz brand power: Unmatched brand recognition and marketing platform
• Strong Utah home market: Dominant position in one of America's fastest-growing states
• Debt-free balance sheet: Asbury sale proceeds provided significant financial flexibility
• Family values: "Do right, treat people fairly" philosophy drives customer loyalty
• Philanthropic reputation: Community engagement creates strong local relationships
• Drive used-car brand: Separate no-haggle concept captures a different customer segment

Challenges & Risks

• Post-sale identity: The Asbury sale fundamentally reshaped the organization
• Scale reduction: The group is now smaller than many top-20 peers
• Management depth: Family-run organizations face succession and talent retention challenges
• Technology investment: Keeping pace with digital retailing investments by larger competitors
• Cyclical exposure: Retail automotive is inherently cyclical
• EV transition: Requires capital investment in infrastructure and training

Strategic Outlook (2026+)

Larry H. Miller Dealerships enters the post-Asbury era as a still-substantial but more focused organization. Key strategic priorities include:

• Organic growth in existing markets, particularly Utah and the Intermountain West
• Selective acquisitions to rebuild scale in a targeted manner
• Drive brand expansion as a complementary retail channel
• Technology investment to enhance e-commerce and service capabilities
• Succession planning for the next generation of Millers
• Deepening community engagement through the Miller family foundation

LHM Auto's unique combination of family ownership, Utah market dominance, sports team brand power, and diversified business interests makes it one of the most distinctive organizations in automotive retail. While the Asbury sale fundamentally changed the company's scale, the remaining operation is still a major force in Western U.S. automotive retail and will likely remain a family-controlled institution for generations to come.

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Profile prepared: May 6, 2026. Sources include Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups, Larry H. Miller Company website, Wikipedia, SEC filings (Asbury Automotive), NBA, Deseret News, and industry news reports. Revenue figures are estimates based on Automotive News survey data and publicly available information.

Technology & Innovation at Larry H. Miller Dealerships

Larry H. Miller Dealerships takes a pragmatic, customer-focused approach to technology investment. As a family-owned organization within a diversified enterprise, the group benefits from shared technology resources and expertise across the broader Miller family of businesses while maintaining automotive-specific systems and platforms.

Digital Retailing & Online Sales

LHM Auto has invested in digital retailing capabilities that allow customers to complete significant portions of the car-buying process online:

• Full inventory browsing with detailed vehicle information, photos, and Carfax reports
• Online credit applications with pre-qualification decisions
• Trade-in valuation tools providing instant offers
• Value My Trade feature for accurate used-car valuations
• Service scheduling and payment through the dealership websites
• Digital document submission to streamline F&I processing

Drive — The No-Haggle Experience

One of LHM Auto's most distinctive technology initiatives is the Drive used-car retail brand. Drive is a separate retail concept designed to appeal to customers who prefer a simplified, no-haggle car-buying experience:

• Fixed pricing — every vehicle is priced at its best price upfront with no negotiation
• Online purchase — customers can complete the entire transaction online
• At-home delivery options available
• 7-day return policy providing peace of mind
• Transparent vehicle history with Carfax on every vehicle

Drive positions LHM to capture customers who might otherwise buy from CarMax, Carvana, or other used-car-only retailers, while maintaining a connection to the LHM brand.

Customer Relationship Management

LHM Auto's CRM strategy focuses on building long-term customer relationships across the ownership lifecycle:

• Unified customer profiles that connect sales and service touchpoints
• Automated follow-up after vehicle purchase and service visits
• Personalized service reminders based on vehicle mileage and time since last visit
• Customer satisfaction surveys with real-time alerting for negative responses
• Reputation management across Google, Yelp, and OEM review platforms

Fixed Operations Technology

Service and parts are significant profit centers for LHM Auto, and the group has invested in:

• Digital multi-point inspections with photo and video documentation
• Online service appointment scheduling
• Text message service reminders and status updates
• Parts inventory optimization to reduce wait times
• Express service lanes for quick maintenance

The Prestige Financial Connection

LHM Auto benefits from having Prestige Financial Services — the Miller family's captive finance company — as a sister company. This relationship provides:

• In-house financing options for credit-challenged customers
• Capture of finance income that would otherwise go to third-party lenders
• Faster loan processing and approval decisions
• Greater control over the customer financing experience
• Integration between dealership sales systems and the finance platform

Detailed Geographic Market Analysis

Utah — The Home Market

Utah is LHM Auto's strongest and most important market, where the group operates 20+ dealership locations. The Salt Lake City metro area — the heart of LHM's operations — is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States:

Demographic and Economic Drivers:

• Population growth rate of approximately 1.5% annually (among the fastest in the nation)
• Silicon Slopes tech corridor attracting major employers (Adobe, eBay, Qualtrics, Domo)
• Strong job market with low unemployment (typically below 3%)
• High household formation rates driven by Utah's young population
• Host city for the 2034 Winter Olympics, driving infrastructure investment
• In-migration from California and the West Coast

LHM's Utah Market Position:

• One of the most recognized brand names in the state
• Extensive brand portfolio covering entry-level through luxury
• Deep community ties through the Utah Jazz and Miller family philanthropy
• Multi-generational customer relationships

Arizona & Colorado — Major Secondary Markets

LHM Auto has significant operations in Arizona (8+ locations) and Colorado (6+ locations), both high-growth states with strong demand for vehicles:

Arizona:

• Phoenix metro is one of the fastest-growing large cities in America
• Retirement and lifestyle migration from colder states
• Year-round driving climate supports steady service demand

Colorado:

• Denver metro continues to attract tech and professional services companies
• Strong outdoor recreation culture supports truck and SUV sales
• EV adoption rates are among the highest in the country

Nevada, Idaho, New Mexico — Western Expansion Markets

LHM's presence in these states provides geographic coverage across the Intermountain West:

• Nevada: Las Vegas provides tourism-driven sales volume; Reno serves as a gateway to northern California
• Idaho: Boise is one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in America
• New Mexico: Albuquerque provides a gateway to the Southwestern market

Pacific Coast — California, Oregon, Washington

LHM's California operations span from San Diego to Sacramento, covering the state's diverse automotive market. Oregon and Washington provide additional West Coast coverage.

Texas — Recent Expansion

Texas represents LHM's newest growth market, with recent acquisitions in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. The Texas market is the largest automotive retail market in the United States by volume.

Brand Portfolio Strategy

Larry H. Miller Dealerships' brand portfolio spans the full spectrum of automotive price points and market segments:

Volume Brands

These brands provide steady sales volume and parts/service revenue:

• Chevrolet — GM's mainstream brand with strong truck and SUV lineup
• Toyota — The world's largest automaker; strong hybrid and EV presence
• Honda — Best-in-class reliability and customer loyalty
• Ford — Dominant in trucks (F-150) and commercial vehicles
• Hyundai/Kia — Fast-growing Korean brands with strong EV lines

Luxury Brands

These brands provide higher per-vehicle margins and affluent customer relationships:

• Lexus — Toyota's luxury division; highest customer satisfaction
• BMW — Sales leader in the premium segment; strong EV lineup
• Mercedes-Benz — Full luxury lineup from entry-level to ultra-premium
• Audi — Technology-forward luxury brand
• Porsche — Ultra-premium; highest margins per vehicle

Domestic Brands

• Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram — Stellantis brands with loyal customer bases

Near-Luxury Brands

• Nissan, Subaru, Mazda — Popular import brands with growing market share

Community & Philanthropy (Detailed)

The Miller family's philanthropic legacy is one of the most significant in the Intermountain West:

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation

The foundation focuses on:

• Education: Scholarship programs, support for public schools, university partnerships
• Healthcare: Major donations to hospitals, medical research, and eye care (including the $36 million gift to the University of Utah for an eye institute)
• Community Services: Support for affordable housing, food banks, and family services
• Arts & Culture: Museum sponsorships, performing arts support, cultural preservation

Civic Leadership

Gail Miller has been recognized nationally for her civic leadership:

• Appointed to the Utah Board of Higher Education
• Recipient of the Utah Community Builder of the Year award
• Named one of Forbes' America's Most Impactful Business Owners
• Leadership roles in various community organizations

The Utah Jazz Community Impact

Through the Jazz organization, the Miller family supports:

• Youth basketball programs throughout Utah
• Scholarship programs for underserved youth
• Community events at the Delta Center
• Diversity and inclusion initiatives in sports

Employee Support

LHM Auto has strong employee support programs:

• LHM Cares — employee emergency assistance fund
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Health and wellness programs for employees and their families
• Employee vehicle purchase programs

The Utah Jazz Connection — A Deeper Look

The Utah Jazz is far more than a side investment for the Miller family — it is deeply intertwined with the identity and success of the dealership group.

History of the Jazz under LHM

• 1985: Larry H. Miller purchases the Jazz for ~$22 million, preventing relocation
• 1996–1998: Jazz reach the NBA Finals in back-to-back years (lost to Chicago Bulls both times)
• 2000s: Consistent playoff appearances under coaches Jerry Sloan and Quin Snyder
• 2020s: Jazz remain competitive in the Western Conference

Economic Impact on Dealerships

The Jazz ownership provides substantial marketing value:

• Jazz game broadcasts reach millions of viewers with dealership advertising
• In-arena signage at the Delta Center keeps the Miller name front and center
• Player appearances at dealerships drive foot traffic
• Community goodwill from keeping the team in Utah

The Delta Center

Renamed back to the Delta Center (after a period as Vivint Smart Home Arena), the venue is:

• Home to the Utah Jazz and other events
• A downtown Salt Lake City landmark
• An extension of the Miller brand in the community

Post-Asbury Identity & Strategy

The 2021 sale of 54 dealerships to Asbury Automotive Group for $3.2 billion was one of the most significant transactions in automotive retail history. Understanding its implications is essential to understanding LHM Auto's current position.

Why the Sale Made Strategic Sense

1. Simplification: The Miller family had 114+ dealerships; selling half streamlined operations
2. Focus: Allowed the family to concentrate on core markets and remaining businesses
3. Valuation: The market was at a cyclical peak (2021), providing maximum value
4. Capital: The $3.2 billion provided substantial liquidity for reinvestment and diversification
5. Succession: Reduced the management burden on the next generation

The Remaining Organization

The ~60 retained dealerships represent:

• A still-substantial operation ranking among the top 30 dealer groups in the U.S.
• Strong Utah market presence (unaffected by the sale)
• A more focused and manageable organization
• A vehicle for select future acquisitions
• Continued family involvement and community commitment

How LHM Auto Competes Post-Sale

With reduced scale, LHM Auto competes differently:

• Emphasis on customer experience rather than lowest price
• Community connections that national chains cannot replicate
• Drive brand as a complementary retail channel
• Utah Jazz marketing platform for cost-effective advertising
• Family ownership stability in an industry of quarterly-earnings-driven public companies

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Position Relative to National Retailers

Position Relative to Regional Family-Owned Groups

Unique Competitive Advantages

1. Utah Jazz ownership — irreplaceable brand platform
2. Diversified family enterprise — non-auto revenue provides stability
3. Utah market dominance in America's fastest-growing state
4. Drive used-car brand — separate no-haggle concept
5. Prestige Financial — captive finance capability
6. Family ownership with no exit pressure
7. Post-sale liquidity — $3.2B in proceeds provides financial flexibility

Five-Year Outlook (2026–2031)

Growth Strategy

• Rebuild scale through select acquisitions in Western states
• Expand Drive used-car concept to additional markets
• Invest in digital retailing to meet consumer expectations
• Deepen Utah market position as the state continues to grow
• Leverage Utah Jazz for customer acquisition and retention
• Optimize brand portfolio for OEM consolidation and EV transition

Key Strategic Challenges

1. Rebuilding momentum post-sale — the Asbury transaction was disruptive
2. Technology investment gap — need to keep pace with national retailers
3. Succession continuity across the Miller family's next generation
4. Utah Jazz ownership transition — the team's future is tied to the family's long-term commitment
5. Industry-wide EV transition requiring capital investment
6. Scale disadvantage in purchasing and manufacturer relations

Enduring Strengths

• Miller family values and community commitment
• Utah market dominance and growth tailwinds
• Utah Jazz brand marketing platform
• Financial strength from the Asbury transaction
• Loyal customer base built over 40+ years

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Conclusion

Larry H. Miller Dealerships is a unique institution in automotive retail — a dealership group that survived and thrived through the $3.2 billion sale of half its stores, still ranks among the nation's largest private dealers, and continues to benefit from the extraordinary brand power of the Utah Jazz and the Miller family's deep community roots.

The story of Larry H. Miller — from auto parts clerk earning $1.10/hour to owner of an NBA franchise and one of America's largest private dealer groups — is a genuinely inspiring American success story. The family's commitment to "doing right and treating people fairly" has created a business that is both financially successful and genuinely respected in its communities.

For OEMs, LHM Auto is a stable, well-capitalized partner with strong regional market positions. For customers, it is a trusted local brand backed by a family that has demonstrated its commitment to Utah and the Intermountain West for four decades. For the automotive industry, LHM Auto is proof that family ownership can coexist with institutional sophistication — and that sometimes, the best strategic move is selling half your business to ensure the other half endures for generations.

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End of profile — Larry H. Miller Dealerships. Total approximately 30,000+ characters. Sources include Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups, Larry H. Miller Company website, Wikipedia, SEC filings (Asbury Automotive), NBA, Deseret News, and industry news reports.