This is the remarkable story of one of our nation's luckiest business
leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. Its topics include sports,
military history, and, of course, business principles that are sure to
entertain and add value to readers of business books and memoirs.
All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit nonprofits that
support small business, entrepreneurial, and community-based
ventures--so that like Jim Haslam, others also may be afforded the
chance to be fortunate in their own unique endeavors.
Meet James A. Haslam II--"Big Jim" as he is called by friends and
family. The details of his life**,** his family, and Pilot Company
comprise a truly remarkable American story that has yet to be widely
told, mainly because Haslam has always refused to write about himself.
However, after years of less-than-gentle prodding from his loving family
and though under duress, he has finally relented and agreed to pen the
incredible story of luck and leadership that has taken him all over the
world, has enriched lives in countless communities and philanthropic
endeavors, and has led to the growth of the beloved company he founded
and still serves daily, even into his late eighties.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Haslam played on the famous
1951 National Championship football team led by coaching legend and
mentor General Robert R. Neyland, whose renowned Game Maxims inspired
Haslam's own viewpoints of life and leadership in family, business, and
in the art of giving back. From being promoted to Company Commander in
Korea at the age of twenty-three to starting out at a small oil company
with only one gas station, you will follow the unlikely, harrowing, and
often hilarious story of luck and leadership that has led Jim Haslam and
his family to serve an unbelievable number of industry, community, and
philanthropic endeavors affecting countless people in numerous
communities, not the least of all Knoxville--and of course, the beloved
university Haslam truly believes has afforded him so much opportunity in
life. Through great loss and great luck, unforeseen tragedy and unlikely
triumph--the story of the Haslams and Pilot Company offers a unique,
entertaining, and encouraging perspective to family, faith, and the
discovery of what really matters the most in life.
Friends and family also offer their unique stories and insights,
including contributions from Peyton Manning, Phillip Fulmer, Rick
Barnes, Senator Lamar Alexander, former Walmart CEO Lee Scott, former
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, and many more.
