Career Timeline of Jimmy Haslam: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2025

How Jimmy Haslam built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jimmy Haslam is an American businessman and sports executive, best known as the chairman of Pilot Flying J. He is also the owner of the Cleveland Browns (NFL) and the Columbus Crew (MLS), and holds a stake in the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA). Notably, the Columbus Crew has won two MLS Cup Championships under his ownership. His leadership spans across diverse business and sports ventures.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1958: Pilot Corporation Founded

In 1958, Jim Haslam founded the Pilot Corporation as the Pilot Oil Corporation.

1976: Haslam Began Career at Pilot Corporation

In 1976, Haslam began his career at Pilot Corporation, which his father had founded.

1980: Haslam Named Vice President at Pilot Corporation

In 1980, Haslam was named vice president of sales, development, and operations at Pilot Corporation.

1981: Pilot Opened First Travel Center

In 1981, Pilot opened its first travel center.

1996: Haslam Named President and CEO of Pilot

In 1996, Haslam was named president and chief executive officer of Pilot Corporation.

2001: Haslam Giving Founded

In 2001, Jimmy and Dee Haslam founded Haslam Giving, a nonprofit organization that includes the Haslam 3 Foundation, the Columbus Crew Foundation, and the Cleveland Browns Foundation.

2001: Pilot Travel Centers LLC Formed

In 2001, Pilot Corporation joined with Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC to form Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

2006: Tennessee Statewide Campaign Chair for Bob Corker

In 2006, Haslam served as Tennessee statewide campaign chair for United States Senator Bob Corker.

2008: CVC Capital Partners Acquired Interest in Pilot Travel Centers LLC

In 2008, CVC Capital Partners acquired a 49.8% interest in Pilot Travel Centers LLC, facilitating the sale by Marathon Petroleum Company.

2008: Haslam Bought Minority Interest in Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2008, Haslam bought a minority interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2010: Pilot Travel Centers LLC Joined with Flying J Inc.

In 2010, Pilot Travel Centers LLC joined with Flying J Inc.

2012: Haslam Officially Took Over the Browns

In 2012, Haslam officially took over the Browns seven games into the season.

2012: Agreement Reached to Purchase Cleveland Browns

In 2012, Haslam reached an agreement with Browns owner Randy Lerner to purchase the franchise for $1 billion.

2012: Statewide Finance Chairman for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam

In 2012, Haslam served as Statewide Finance Chairman for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, his brother.

2012: Pilot Flying J Acquired Western Petroleum and Majority Ownership of Maxum Petroleum

In 2012, Pilot Flying J acquired Western Petroleum and the majority ownership of Maxum Petroleum, forming Maxum Enterprises LLC.

2014: Pilot Logistics Services Merged with Thomas Petroleum

In 2014, Pilot Logistics Services merged with Thomas Petroleum to form Pilot Thomas Logistics.

2015: Haslam Family Acquired All of CVC Capital Partners' Shares

In 2015, the Haslam family acquired all of CVC Capital Partners’ shares in Pilot Travel Centers LLC.

2018: Reports Emerged that Haslam Purchased Columbus Crew

In late 2018, reports emerged that Haslam had purchased Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew from Anthony Precourt.

January 1, 2019: Haslam Took Over as Owner of Columbus Crew

On January 1, 2019, Haslam, along with his wife Dee and former team physician Pete Edwards, took over as owners of the Columbus Crew.

2020: Browns Had First Winning Season Under Haslam and Won Playoff Game

In 2020, the Browns had their first winning season under Haslam, going 11-5 and winning a postseason game against the Steelers 48-37.

2020: Crew Won MLS Cup, Giving Haslam First Championship

In 2020, the Crew won MLS Cup, giving Haslam his first major sports championship as an owner.

2020: Columbus Crew Won MLS Cup

In 2020, under Haslam's ownership, the Columbus Crew won the MLS Cup Championship.

2023: Haslam Purchased Stake in Milwaukee Bucks

In 2023, Haslam and his wife purchased Marc Lasry's 25% stake in the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming co-owners of the team.

2023: Crew Won Second MLS Cup Under Haslam

In 2023, the Crew won their second MLS Cup under Haslam's ownership.

2023: Columbus Crew Won MLS Cup Again

In 2023, under Haslam's ownership, the Columbus Crew won their second MLS Cup Championship.

2024: Haslam's Record as Browns Owner Through Week 5

Through week 5 of the 2024 regular season, Haslam had a 70-123-1 record as team owner.

Mentioned in this timeline

The United States of America is a federal republic primarily...

The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based...

Pittsburgh is a city in southwestern Pennsylvania situated at the...

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team founded...

Cleveland is a major city in Ohio United States situated...

Milwaukee is the most populous city in Wisconsin and sits...