MESSAGE FROM THE CEO:
WHAT I LEARNED FROM UNDERCOVER BOSS
When I was approached last
summer to participate in a reality
television program, I wasn’t that
enthused about it. I have no
aspirations to be on TV anymore
than I already am, and certainly not
as the focal point. I had never seen
an episode of Undercover Boss, so
before I decided whether or not to
be on the show, I watched a couple
of episodes. I wanted to be sure
that the program was consistent
with our values as a family and as
an organization. After watching a few episodes, I liked what I
saw and agreed to be in it. Filming began shortly thereafter in
October during the opening week of the Jazz season.
The producers of the show wanted me to work as a member
of the Dunk Team, and as a member of the Interactive Team
cheering with the fans in the upper bowl of the arena, as a
concessions employee, and as part of the floor operations unit.
Part of the appeal of Undercover Boss is watching the bosses
struggle with different jobs they are asked to do, and I’m sure I
did not disappoint the producers in that department.
I’ve always
appreciated how
hard-working
our employees
are, particularly
the crew that
comes in after
each game. One
night they prep
the floor for an
ice show, the
next night they
cover the arena
floor in tons of
dirt for a monster truck show, and the next night they have
to get everything ready for a Jazz home game. This crew,
along with the greeters, ushers, security, concessions, cheer
and dunk teams – everyone in the organization – all have an
important role to play in the success of the franchise and the
fan experience at the game.
to see that my dad’s
vision for the Jazz and
the company is alive
and well through our
employees.
For me, the most
memorable moments,
and the ones where I
learned the most, came
from seeing firsthand
some of the challenges
our employees are
faced with and then
revealing who I was
and telling them what my family wanted to do for them. Their
reactions and expressions of surprise and gratitude have had
a profound impact on me and the company.
Based on my experience while “undercover,” my family and
I have decided to provide a way to give back to all of our
employees in need. In February of this year, we introduced the
Employee Emergency Aid & Resource Committee (EEARC)
to assist employees of the Larry H. Miller Group who find
themselves faced with an emergency or crisis requiring limited
financial assistance (read more about this program on page 11
of this issue).
Overall, I have gained an even greater appreciation for the
wonderful people who work for this organization. I give full
credit for our success to the nearly 10,000 employees who do
such a great job for us, day in and day out. Without you, the
Larry H. Miller Group would not be what it is today.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am to be part of such a
wonderful organization, and for the love, loyalty and dedication
each of you show for my family and the company.
I went into this thinking that our employees like being part
of our family business. I was really hoping that, more than
anything, that notion would be validated. And, as it turned out,
it was.
Each person who worked with me, or rather my alias, Mark
Scott impressed me with their dedication to their job, to the
company and to my father’s legacy. It’s very gratifying for me
Family, employees and friends gathered for the Undercover Boss viewing
party on Friday, February 28, 2014. Matt, Amber, Dennis, and Manny
(photo on left) all played a special part in the show.