Jump: From the Streets to the Suites

(Paperback)

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One of the most successful Black businessmen in the country, who has led Nikes Jordan Brand from a$200Msneakercompany to a $4Bglobal appareljuggernaut, tells the remarkable story of his rise from gangland violenceto the pinnacles ofinternationalbusiness.

Jump tells Larry Millers journey from the violent streets of West Philly in the 1960s to the highest echelonsof American sports and industry.Millerwound up in jailmore than once, especially as a teenager.But he immersed himself in the educationalopportunities, eventually took advantage of a Pennsylvania state education-release program offered to incarcerated people, and was able to graduate with honors from Temple University.

When revealing his gangland pastcaused him to losehis first major job opportunity, Miller vowed tokeep it a secret. Heclimbed the corporate ladder with a number of companies such as Kraft Foods, Campbells Soup, and Jantzen, until Nike hired him to run its domestic appareloperations. Around the time ofMichael Jordans basketball retirement,Nike ChairmanPhil Knight madeLarry Millerpresidentof the newly formed Jordan Brand.In 2007 Paul Allen convinced Miller to jump to the NBA to becomepresident ofthePortland Trailblazers, one of the first African-Americans to lead a professional sports team, before returning to Jordan Brand in 2012.

All along,Miller lived two lives:the secret ofhis violent past hauntedhim,invadinghis days with migraines and his sleep with nightmares of getting hauled back to jail.More than a rags-to-riches story, Jump is also a passionate appeal for criminal justice reform and expanded educational opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people across the United States. Drawing on his powerful personal story, as well as his vast and well-connected network, Miller plans to useJumpas a launching point to help expand such opportunities and to provide an aspirational journey for those who need hope.

Author Bio

Larry Miller was appointed the first chairman of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board in January 2019. Prior to that he was president of Jordan Brand from 1997 to 2006, and from 2012 to December 2018. In that role he was responsible for all aspects of the iconic athletic-apparel firm, from supply chains and advertising to marketing and growing the global brand. Under his leadership, Jordan Brand has grown from a $200-million basketball-shoe company to a $3.5-billion athletic footwear and apparel firm. Miller helped found the Jordan Brand at Nike in 1997 before becoming president of the Portland Trailblazers from 2007 to 2012, after which he returned to Jordan Brand. Miller graduated with honors from Temple University in 1980 and earned an MBA from LaSalle University. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Self Enhancement, Inc., and the Oregon Business Council. A passionate advocate for education and mentorship, he's taken leadership roles with the Urban League and Junior Achievement.