J.R. (Pitt) Hyde, III
Malone and Hyde/AutoZone
|  | An honoree in the Society of Entrepreneurs' prestigious Hall of Honor, J. R. (Pitt) Hyde grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, and he credits this background for much of his success. He says, "I grew up watching both my grandfather and father build businesses from the ground up...I believe my exposure to this type of 'pioneering' mindset...gave me the drive to try new, unproven ventures."
Pitt Hyde is the founder of AutoZone, an auto parts chain that first opened in Forrest City, Arkansas in 1979 and today can be found all over the country. Prior to starting AutoZone, Pitt developed his grandfather's company, Malone and Hyde, into the United States' third largest wholesale food distributor.
Pitt has also contributed greatly to the city of Memphis. He is heavily involved in such organizations as the Memphis Biotech Foundation, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis Tomorrow, Ballet Memphis, Greater Memphis Arts Council, Memphis in May and The Memphis Challenge. The Hyde Family Foundation has generously provided extensive funds to these organizations and numerous others.
Pitt and his wife, Barbara, have also been instrumental in leading the efforts to bring the NBA's Grizzlies to Memphis, fulfilling the city's long-time dream of having an NBA team.Description of Business:
Nation's leading auto parts chain with over 4,000 AutoZone stores in 48 states in the U.S. plus the District of Colombia and Puerto Rico and 130 AutoZone stores in Mexico. AutoZone also sells automotive diagnostic and repair software through ALLDATA and diagnostic and repair information through alldatadiy.com Year Business Founded:
1979 Year Inducted:
1992 Thoughts on Entrepreneurship: "'The entrepreneurship spirit in my family spans several generations. I grew up watching both my grandfather and father build businesses from the ground up. They took risks that many people considered unwise-and succeeded, despite the odds. I believe my exposure to this type of 'pioneering' mind-set from a very young age gave me the drive to try new, unproven ventures. When I start a new venture, I always remember my father's statement: 'No individual ever builds a business. The individual builds an organization, and the organization builds the business.' They also ingrained in me one of the responsibilities that goes hand in hand with successful entrepreneurship-reinvesting in your community through charitable and civic support. I think it's important to embrace the risks, responsibilities and rewards of entrepreneurship in order to stimulate constant growth and change in today's business world." For More Information: http://www.autozone.com
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