History of Jimmy Haslam in Timeline

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

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

March 9, 1954: James Arthur Haslam III Born

On March 9, 1954, James Arthur Haslam III was born. He is an American businessman and sports executive.

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.

2007: Inducted into Junior Achievement of East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame

In 2007, Haslam was inducted into the Junior Achievement of East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame.

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: Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award

In 2010, Haslam was named a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award for the Southeast region.

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

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

2011: Browns Valued by Forbes Magazine

In 2011, Forbes magazine valued the Browns at $977 million, 20th in the NFL.

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.

April 2013: FBI and IRS Executed Search Warrant on Pilot Flying J

In April 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service agents executed a search and seizure warrant detailing a five-year fraud scheme by the Pilot Flying J chain.