Pensacola native Fred Pancoast rose from a humble background to become a well known college football player and coach – at the University of Tampa, Memphis State University and Vanderbilt University – before moving into the business world.
He started Pancoast Benefits in 1985 after five years as director of human resources at Murray Manufacturing Company. Though the HR and employee benefits landscape has changed greatly in 30-plus years, Fred’s vision to provide unmatched customer service to clients remains the company’s core principle.
Fred also infused the company with discipline. In addition to playing football for the University of Tampa and coaching, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He remains active in local charitable organizations, including Operation Stand Down Nashville, Room in the Inn and other civic projects. In 2007, Fred received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
President George W. Bush honored Fred with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008. In 2012, Fred received the Fred Russell Distinguished American Award from the Middle Tennessee Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.