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Co-Piloting: Luck, Leadership, and Learning That It's All about Others: Our Story
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.
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.
- GenresBusiness
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 25, 2020
16 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 1, 2021
Excellent ..... I loved reading the story of Jim Haslam. A great tale of the entrepreneur. I learned a great deal. A must read for the Knoxville business community. Loved the real story behind his success.
August 25, 2020
The first thirty percent of this is about the author attending the University of TN where he is coached by an actual General where he learns life lessons. From there he serves in Korea.
He returns to the United States and has the option of going into the cut-rate fuel business or into the new tech of television. Unsure of the staying power of television he opts for the fuel industry with a chain of gas stations which he builds into a Mega Corp.
The second portion is a collection of essay-like observations on such topics as faith, sports, education, and charity.
The final portion is a collection of comments from various people about the man and the business. Pictures.
A regular customer.
He returns to the United States and has the option of going into the cut-rate fuel business or into the new tech of television. Unsure of the staying power of television he opts for the fuel industry with a chain of gas stations which he builds into a Mega Corp.
The second portion is a collection of essay-like observations on such topics as faith, sports, education, and charity.
The final portion is a collection of comments from various people about the man and the business. Pictures.
A regular customer.
September 6, 2021
I love the entrepreneur story and especially one that involves Tennessee business and logistics. Simple business truth's told very authentically, I also enjoyed his thoughts on politics and philanthropy. "I would simply encourage everyone- including you- either to run for some kind of office or support a candidate in his or her campaign. It doesn't have to be a high office, either. The person who serves on the local school board is just as important as the one who represents us in the United States Senate. Each level of government plays a critical role in the cohesion of a free and democratic society."
November 18, 2025
A quick easy read. The book is really two parts. The first is the history of Pilot. It is very surface level and despite it being an interesting story, I was really disappointed by the lack of detail. The second part was Haslam's life philosophy. I could have done without this.
Want to read
February 28, 2021Mentioned by Warren Buffett in his 2020 BRK Annual Report.
March 23, 2021
Really enjoyed the book. I have known Jim sine he had only about 12 stations. A remarkable success and a person who has contributed to many things outside business
December 25, 2023
Great read about a great man and his family.
March 8, 2024
Great story! Mr. Haslam is an inspiration to many in the Knoxville area and beyond. I am thankful for what he has done for the community!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews