Early Life
James Arthur Haslam III, or Jimmy Haslam, was born on March 9, 1954, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the son of Jim Haslam, who founded the Pilot Oil Corporation in 1958. Haslam's early life in Knoxville laid the groundwork for his future success, with a strong family emphasis on business and community engagement.
Rise to Success
Jimmy Haslam began his career at Pilot Corporation in 1976. He steadily climbed the ranks, becoming vice president of sales, development, and operations in 1980, and later, President and CEO in 1996. Under his leadership, Pilot grew to become the largest travel center company in the US, with over 800 fueling locations. In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway acquired the remaining stake in Pilot Company.
Key Business Strategies
Haslam's business acumen is evident in his strategic decisions. He focused on expanding Pilot's network, merging with Flying J in 2010 to increase its reach. He also led the company through transactions with Marathon Ashland Petroleum and others to strengthen its capabilities. His leadership transformed Pilot into a major player in the travel center industry, supplying billions of gallons of fuel annually and generating billions in revenue.
Philanthropy
The Haslam family actively engages in philanthropy through the Haslam 3 Foundation. Their initiatives primarily focus on education, youth sports, health, and human services. The Haslams have made significant donations to the University of Tennessee, establishing the Haslam Scholars Program, and supporting other academic programs. They've also invested in community development, including funding for sports facilities and supporting cancer research.