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 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 for Nine Inch Nails 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===