Message from CEO Steve Starks
Preaching Hope
One day in early 2008, Larry H. Miller
gathered a group of leaders together in
his office and confidently explained how
we would successfully navigate the Great
Recession and emerge stronger from it. I
remember him specifically saying that it was
our responsibility to “preach hope” to fellow
employees, customers, and the community.
I’ve thought about Larry’s message over the
past couple of months and believe it is as
applicable now as it was then.
In the last few months, our worlds have
changed in ways many of us would never
have imagined. COVID-19 has impacted the
way our children are learning, the hygiene
protocols in our homes and in public places,
the way we work and hold meetings, and the
ability for some of our properties to conduct
business.
It is humbling and impressive to witness
the flexibility and leadership within our
organization. The Larry H. Miller Group
of Companies began preparing for the
coronavirus at the end of February and
transitioned to a rapid pace on March 11, when
NBA games were postponed and the effects
of those decisions flooded into other parts of
our business: movie theatres, baseball games,
concerts and events, real estate, finance, and
dealership service and sales.
One cannot downplay the significant
impact this pandemic has had on our
businesses, families and communities. While
LHM Dealerships, Prestige Financial Services,
Total Care Auto Powered by Landcar, and
LHM Management Corporation are operating,
most of our Sports & Entertainment properties
are currently shuttered. Their reopening
depends on sports leagues, national studios,
and promoters to find confidence in operating
with large groups of people. Unfortunately,
these industries may take longer to reopen
than others. Our teammates in Larry H. Miller
Sports & Entertainment are eager to get back
to work and are using this intermission to
tackle projects that will propel the business
forward when we can reopen.
The incredible efforts of Larry H. Miller
Dealerships during this time have sustained
the rest of the organization. Each state we
do business in has responded to this crisis
differently, and our leaders have been able to
make the most out of whatever opportunities
these various circumstances have provided.
Their hard work, sound decision making, and
customer service during these past two months
are bright examples and something we will
always take great pride in.
Likewise, Prestige Financial, Total Care
Auto, and Larry H. Miller Real Estate have
been able to seamlessly adjust to these
circumstances, including working from home
and utilizing technology to stay connected
and productive. The performance of these
companies has not only stayed consistent but
has actually improved in many instances. All
of this is another testament to the incredible
people and enduring values of the Larry H.
Miller Group of Companies.
We can also be grateful for Gail and the
Miller family during this time. They have been
involved, resourceful, empathetic, and constant
in their support of all of us. As an organization,
we couldn’t ask for better shareholders.
As we move forward and emerge from
the challenges we are facing, we must
remain flexible, drive innovation, and
encourage people to focus on the positives
and opportunities that lie before us. We have
procured personal protective equipment,
sanitizer, and cleaning products to help keep
our employees and customers safe. Our
technology teams will continue to enable us to
Employees at LHM Ford Lincoln Draper show off their custom “Ford King”
face masks, a fun way to show off their love for the dealership.
be productive, connected, and responsive to
our customers’ needs. We will also stay close
to and work with other community leaders,
policymakers, and our industry associations.
Things will continue to improve. While the
“new” normal may look different, we will be
well-positioned for the future as we continue
to face these challenges with hard-work,
collaboration, and hope.
Thank you for your dedication to this
organization and the care you provide to your
loved ones and families. Please stay safe and
stay healthy. ◆
“It is humbling and
impressive to witness
the flexibility and
leadership within our
organization.”
Steve Starks
LHMWSM.com 1