What started as a single gas station in Gate City, Virginia transpired into nearly 1,000 travel centers and 28,000 team members dedicated to fueling life’s journeys for millions of guests each day. At Pilot Company, our people-first culture, passion for serving others and entrepreneurial spirit stem from our founder, Mr. Jim Haslam.
In his recently released book, Co-Piloting: Luck, Leadership, and Learning That It’s All About Others, Mr. Haslam shares the history of Pilot Company and recognizes the many people and lessons that have shaped his outlook on life and contributed to the company’s success over the past 62 years.
“I didn’t want the book to be about me. I wanted it to be about all of the people that have helped us, the team members at Pilot and the importance of working together and with people,” said Mr. Haslam. “You have to work hard and have good people around you and without our 28,000 team members, there wouldn’t be a book to write.”
The story of the Haslam family and Pilot Company offers an encouraging, engaging and entertaining perspective on family, faith and the discover of what really matters the most in life. As a first-generation college student, Mr. Jim Haslam credits his first-class education at the University of Tennessee as key to successfully founding Pilot Company and is passionate about creating opportunity for others to pursue higher education. His wish is for others to be afforded the chance to be as fortunate in their endeavors and has elected that all proceeds from the sale of the book benefit nonprofits that support small business, entrepreneurial and community-based ventures.
“I hope this book will inspire young people to work hard, be optimistic, get in business and help other people.” – Jim Haslam
In the book, Mr. Haslam reflects on the moments and people that have had a profound impact in his life. From General Neyland during his years as a football player at the University of Tennessee, to moments with family, friends and community leaders, and to his first time meeting Mr. Warren Buffett – each experience has taught him something valuable and contributed to his story in remarkable ways, which he hopes to share with others through this book. One chapter of the book is dedicated to twelve life maxims that have proven to be most important in his life, which are shared below.
12 Life Maxims by Mr. Jim Haslam:
Christian Belief: Worship regularly, study the Bible, and be united with Christ.
Optimism: Optimists get things done! Positive attitudes always win!
Humility and Kindness: Be humble, be kind, and always remember the less fortunate. It is always easy to be kind.
Family First: Your family must always come first. Everything else pales in comparison.
Politics: Get involved in the political process. Run for office and, if you don’t, find candidates you like and raise money and work to get them elected.
Setting the example and change is a must: You must always set a good example. People will follow your example so make sure it is a good one.
Integrity: Always do the right thing. Always be faithful and accountable in every way.
Keeping it Simple: Leaders simplify things; they don’t complicate things.
Health: Stay in shape.
Work hard and have a purpose to your life: Remember, time is your most important asset, so working smart is just as important as working hard.
Passion: Be passionate in what you are doing, whether it’s at work, working in the community, or at play.
Giving Back: We must give back! Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Several of his family and friends, as well as a few Pilot team members, offer stories and insights in the afterword of the book titled “In Others’ Words”. His son and CEO of Pilot Company, Jimmy Haslam writes, “Dad exposed us all to so many things that left a lasting mark on our lives. Business, politics, and sports were the practical skills and experiences he gave us – the backdrop of our daily lives. Of course, faith and family were the main pillars upon which all these other things were built. Dad modeled for us all what it means to be a good husband, father, and friend.”
Other contributions include words from Natalie Haslam, his wife and community philanthropist; Peyton Manning, former University of Tennessee and NFL quarterback; Phillip Fulmer, former UT head football coach and now director of athletics at UT; Rick Barnes, head basketball coach at UT; Lamar Alexander, a U.S. senator and former UT president; Bill Haslam, youngest son and former mayor of Knoxville and governor of Tennessee; Ann Haslam Bailey, daughter and vice president of the Haslam Family Foundation; and Lee Scott, former CEO of Walmart.
Bill Haslam describes the book and his Dad in the foreword: “I am a little biased, but I think the story before you is unique, inspirational, and often hilarious. You should also know that it has been written against the will of its author. You don’t see that every day, I know. But then again, you don’t meet many people like my dad every day.”
The book is available online at copilotingbook.com and at other retail and online outlets, including select Pilot and Flying J travel centers. An audio version of the book, narrated by Vol Radio Network lead announcer Bob Kesling, also is available.
To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back that’s been inspired by Mr. Haslam, visit pilotcompany.com/about.
