Early Life
Gail Miller was born Karen Gail Saxton on October 14, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in a modest household, learning the value of hard work and resourcefulness from her parents. Her early experiences instilled in her a strong sense of community and family values, which would later be the cornerstone of her philanthropic endeavors.
Rise to Success
Gail Miller's career began with the acquisition of a Toyota dealership in 1979 with her late husband, Larry H. Miller. Together, they built a chain of car dealerships, eventually growing the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies into the eighth-largest auto dealer group in the U.S. Under Gail’s leadership after Larry's passing in 2009, the company expanded, diversifying into areas such as real estate, healthcare, finance, and entertainment.
Key Business Strategies
Gail Miller's strategic vision was pivotal in the growth and diversification of the Larry H. Miller Company. Key decisions included the sale of the family's auto dealership group to Asbury Automotive in 2021 for $3.2 billion and the sale of the Utah Jazz NBA team in 2020 for $1.66 billion, while retaining a minority stake. These moves allowed for reinvestment in other ventures and enhanced their philanthropic efforts.
Philanthropy
Gail Miller is deeply committed to philanthropy through the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The foundation supports various charitable causes in education, healthcare, and the arts. Miller has been recognized for her numerous contributions, including the Utah Governor's Medal of Honor and the ATHENA Award. The Miller family has donated millions to initiatives supporting education and helping the homeless.
