Co-Piloting

Luck, Leadership, and Learning That It's All about Others: Our Story

By: Jim Haslam, John Driver

Narrated by: Bob Kesling

Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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 listeners 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 80s.

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 23 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.

©2020, 2021 James A Haslam II (P)2020 James A Haslam II

Good read

When reading about biographies of business people. There are two kinds of life.

1) It is very exciting. Making smart decisions every single weeks, fights, changing world, huge ups and downs, running out of time, betrayal and come back, strong emotions.

2) This “sounds” boring. In fact, a huge part of their book is usually about family, favorite hobbies, religion (Jesus kind of thing), little fun episode that’s nothing to do with business.

I like reading both (though the first is more “fun” to read). But every time I read about 2) type, I always found more evidences the 2) is smarter, at least in terms of living life.

Amazing true story of how faith, kindness, loyalty, discipline, and grit paid off!

I was unfamiliar with the story of Jim Haslam. I had heard talk of this family and its head leader for many years. However, I was not aware of his participation in Tennessee football and, in particular, the 1951 national championship team. What Mr. Haslam learned from General Robert Neyland and countless others he put into practice in his own life, personally and professionally. There's no guarantee in this world, but if you do the things Mr. Haslam did, 9 times out of 10 it's going to work out for you. This is an entertaining and instruct read. I am very thankful he wrote this book. Having lost my mother during my college years, I can empathize with the Haslam children. The way they all persevered through such a tremendous personal challenge is inspiring.