Malm was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up and attended Denison University, achieving a degree in Mass Media Communications. He worked as a manager for his university radio station during his time at Denison.
Malm worked for two years as a promoter for shows at the Phantasy Theatre and Niteclub. [https://web.archive.org/web/20080326145117/http://www.luckyprick.net/interview.php?band=Lucky+Pierre&interview=66] He then began his artist management career after college by managing several local acts, including Lucky Pierre and System 56, and incorporated JAM in 1985. He soon became the promoter and manager of the local band [[Exotic Birds]], which Reznor was a member of at the time. Reznor left the Exotic Birds in 1987, and Malm informally became his manager, without a contract. JAM helped Reznor secure a recording contract with [[TVT Records]] in early 1989. Malm and Reznor signed a formal management agreement on April 20, 1989. [https://www.leagle.com/decision/2005930365fsupp2d5651887]
===With Nine Inch Nails===