Early Life
James Arthur Haslam III was born on March 9, 1954, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is the son of Jim Haslam, who founded Pilot Oil Corporation in 1958. Jimmy attended the University of Tennessee, where he was a roommate of Bob Corker, later a U.S. Senator.
Rise to Success
Jimmy Haslam began his career at Pilot Corporation in 1976. He rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of Sales, Development, and Operations in 1980. In 1996, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Pilot expanded significantly. Haslam played a pivotal role in the 2001 partnership with Marathon Ashland Petroleum, forming Pilot Travel Centers LLC. He also led the merger with Flying J in 2010, creating Pilot Flying J, which became the largest operator of travel centers in North America. In 2024, Pilot was sold to Berkshire Hathaway.
Key Business Strategies
Haslam's key business strategies included strategic partnerships and acquisitions. He diversified operations into fuel supply, logistics, and convenience retail. He also focused on expanding Pilot's travel center network nationwide, introducing fast-food restaurants in 1988. In 2015, the Haslam family acquired all of CVC Capital Partners' shares in Pilot Travel Centers LLC.
Philanthropy
Jimmy and his wife, Dee, are committed to philanthropy, focusing on education, youth sports, health, human services, and creating equal access for upward mobility. They founded the Haslam Scholars Program at the University of Tennessee. The Haslams have donated to numerous causes, including a $35 million donation to Knoxville's Lakeshore Park. They have also supported the construction of sports medicine facilities.
