Early Life and Family
Gail Miller was born Karen Gail Saxton on October 14, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up in a modest household, with her father working as a shoemaker and her mother managing the home. Despite facing financial hardships, Miller developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community responsibility. She married Larry H. Miller in 1965, and together they had five children.
Rise to Success
Gail and Larry H. Miller purchased their first Toyota dealership in Murray, Utah, in 1979. Through strategic business decisions, they expanded their enterprise into a significant automotive group. In 1986, they acquired the Utah Jazz NBA team, further solidifying their influence in Utah's cultural and economic landscape. After Larry's passing in 2009, Gail took the helm of the Larry H. Miller Company, steering it through significant growth and diversification.
Key Business Strategies
Gail Miller's business acumen was instrumental in the growth of the Larry H. Miller Company. Key strategies included expanding the company into various sectors, including automotive, sports, real estate, and finance. A notable decision was the sale of the family's auto dealership group to Asbury Automotive in 2021 for $3.2 billion. The family also sold a majority stake in the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, while retaining a minority interest.
Philanthropy
Gail Miller is actively involved in philanthropy through the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. The foundation supports a wide range of charitable causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and community programs. The Gail Miller Resource Center, a 200-bed homeless shelter in Salt Lake City, was named in her honor, reflecting her commitment to community welfare. In 2025, the Miller family foundation announced a $25 million donation to Salt Lake County to fund a regional arts center.