Jump by Larry Miller

I just finished reading Jump by Larry Miller. Larry who? 

Larry Miller was the former chairman of The Jordan Brand and also served as the General Manager of the Portland Trailblazers. 

His rise to business fame, however, was a bit different than most. 

Miller grew up on the streets in Philadelphia and often found himself in gang-related trouble. He was in and out of juvenile centers for a good portion of his teens. Then, in September of 1965, he shot another teenager who was standing alone on the corner. The young man, 18 years old, would die, and Miller (16 at the time) would go to prison. 

In the 1960's, the state of Pennsylvania allowed him to take classes, and he would graduate from both high school and college (Temple) through the prison system. 

​What was most interesting about this story is that Miller actually admitted to being in the prison system during a job interview with Arthur Anderson. The senior accountant who was doing the interview was said to have pulled an envelope out of of his suit jacket (with an offer letter inside). Upon Miller's truth telling, the accountant put the envelope back in his jacket and explained that he simple couldn't take the risk if the facts would eventually come out. 

Miller would start his career at Campbell's (soup) and rise up through the ranks, eventually moving to Portland to work at Jantzen sporting goods. Not once during his ascent did anyone ask about his checkered past. 

Years later, in senior roles at Nike and Jordan Brand, Miller would receive invitations to prominent events. At each turn, he'd have a decision to make: risk the secret service finding out or sit next to the Clinton's. 

On multiple occasions, he'd roll the dice, and each time, an email or phone call would come through confirming he was good to attend. ​

Larry Miller

This book was challenging to read: on one hand, how can you not admire the determination to completely change your life. He didn't just assimilate back into society: he became one of the best business people in the country. On the other, he murdered an innocent person in cold blood. 

Miller talked often about the dreams he'd have: waking up in a cold sweat, dreaming the cops were knocking at his door. He was also grateful the juvenile system was set up in a way that allowed him to reform his ways. Even in other states at the time, his path wouldn't have been possible. 

This book was published in 2022, meaning Miller was 73 years old at its launch. Imagine living most of your life with that on your chest. Think about going home and seeing friends, some of who know everything and others who are part of your "new" life. Imagine counting Michael Jordan as a close friend, all the while masking a part of you that was best left untouched. 

Jump is available on Amazon: 

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