Hathcock has supported the Gators Athletic Department for many years and made a fortune in the customer-service sector of the automotive dealership industry.
For more on Hathcock’s background and his connection to the Gators, check out FloridaGators.com.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Hugh Hathcock, a longtime supporter of Gator Boosters and an innovative entrepreneur in the automotive industry, has made the largest single financial gift to the Gators Athletic Department in the program’s history.
Hathcock’s $12.6 million pledge will be recognized with the naming of the Hugh Hathcock Suite Tower at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the Hugh Hathcock Basketball Complex at the UF Basketball Facility. Portions of the gift will be earmarked for renovations to the basketball practice facility, while the balance will support the UAA Facilities Master Plan. Gator Boosters has received commitments of $148.8 million in private support towards the master plan.
“Hugh’s talents and success in business are matched only by his passion for the Gators,” UF Athletic Director Scott Stricklin said. “He thinks big, so it’s only fitting that this is the largest single gift Gators Boosters has ever received. We’re so appreciative of the support Hugh provides, and grateful for his generosity.”
Hathcock’s name has been synonymous with customer service for those in the automotive dealership industry, where he started a company called Fresh Beginnings and later morphed into eLeadCRM, which Hathcock recently sold for more than $500 million. He launched a new company in 2020, called Velocity Automotive Solutions<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__velocityautomotive.com_&d=DwIFAg&c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&r=o5LKAX7slotfFMyE71jI7L22NYBIi1-KbRGNSXudTPo&m=9_bVl1-dIZLgin8mfC9gzsQckyHYLdiMzzPAM6dYob0WivIQTGHGMxmyY_W-CulY&s=J2ELu6vbvFkBkXV3gJ5VYzWEz3rQVdHNtc5bgzgSvcI&e= >.
Hathcock’s support of the Gators has grown over time as his business interests blossomed.
“Even when I was in my 20s, just starting to make money, I was still a season-ticket holder,” Hathcock said. “When they did the Touchdown Terrace, I was one of the first ones to [contribute]. You are not able to really do the things you want to do until you hit it big. They knew me back when my companies were just small companies.”
Hathcock is married to the former Kalah McCoy and has five children – sons Brandon and Gage, and daughters Heather, Hailee and Hope.
________________________________
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
“This record-setting gift is another example of Hugh’s unwavering commitment and support.” – Phil Pharr, Gator Boosters Executive Director
“Hugh is a Gator to his core. For decades he has supported us in so many ways. He is a great Gator and we need a whole lot more just like him.” – Doug Brown, Gator Boosters Deputy Executive Director
