Jimmy Haslam

Jimmy Haslam. James Arthur "Jimmy" Haslam III is an American billionaire businessman and sports franchise owner, best known as the chairman of the Pilot Flying J travel center chain and the principal owner of the National Football League's Cleveland Browns and Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. His business acumen, inherited and expanded from his father's foundation, and his high-profile investments in professional sports have made him a prominent figure in both the corporate and athletic landscapes of the United States. Haslam's tenure has been marked by significant team acquisitions, substantial philanthropic efforts, and navigating challenges within his family's core business.

Early life and education

Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, he is the son of James A. Haslam II, who founded the Pilot Corporation in 1958. Growing up immersed in the family business, he worked at Pilot gas stations during his youth, learning the operations from the ground up. He attended Webb School of Knoxville before enrolling at the University of Tennessee, where he played football as a walk-on for coach Bill Battle. He graduated in 1976 with a degree in BA in history, after which he served for three years as an officer in the United States Army.

Business career

Haslam began his full-time career at Pilot Corporation in 1980, steadily rising through the ranks as the company expanded from a regional operator into the largest travel center network in North America. He assumed the role of president in 1994 and became chief executive officer in 2005, succeeding his father. Under his leadership, the company, rebranded as Pilot Flying J after a 2010 merger with Flying J, grew exponentially. His brother, Bill Haslam, served as president and later became Governor of Tennessee. In 2017, Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, purchased a significant minority stake in the company, with Haslam remaining as chairman. The business faced a major legal challenge in 2013 when federal authorities investigated a rebate fraud scheme, resulting in a guilty plea by the company and a $92 million settlement.

Sports ownership

Haslam entered professional sports ownership in 2012 when he purchased the National Football League's Cleveland Browns from Randy Lerner for approximately $1 billion. The acquisition was approved by NFL owners, including Dan Rooney of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His ownership of the Cleveland Browns has been characterized by frequent changes in leadership, including multiple head coaches and general managers, as the team has struggled to achieve consistent on-field success. In 2018, he and his wife Dee Haslam led an investor group to purchase Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, saving the franchise from a potential relocation to Austin, Texas. The group later oversaw the construction of a new downtown stadium, Lower.com Field.

Philanthropy and civic involvement

Through the Haslam Family Foundation, he and his wife have directed millions of dollars to various causes, primarily in East Tennessee. Significant contributions have been made to the University of Tennessee system, including a $50 million gift to the Haslam College of Business and support for the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Other major beneficiaries include Knoxville institutions like the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Boy Scouts of America. He has also served on the board of directors for the Cleveland Clinic and has been involved with the United Way of Greater Knoxville. His civic engagement extends to roles on the executive committee of the Tennessee Business Roundtable.

Personal life

He is married to Dee Haslam, a television and film producer and fellow businesswoman who is co-owner of the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew. The couple has three adult children and resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. His brother, Bill Haslam, served as the Governor of Tennessee from 2011 to 2019. Haslam is an active member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and maintains a relatively private life outside of his business and sports ventures, though he is a visible presence at games for his teams.

Category:American billionaires Category:Sports team owners Category:People from Knoxville, Tennessee