Trustee Fred Hahn Receives Order of the Golden Arrow Award at Mississippi College

Helen and Fred Hahn, Sr.

Mississippi College trustee and Alabama businessman Philip “Fred” Hahn, Sr. is the latest recipient of the university’s Order of the Golden Arrow Award.

The Order of the Golden Arrow honors alumni or friends of the Baptist-affiliated institution making outstanding achievements in their professions. It recognizes exceptional performance or leadership beyond the ordinary.

A 1952 MC School of Business graduate, Hahn will receive the honor at the university’s Homecoming Dinner on October 17.

The Alabama resident will share the 2014 Order of the Golden Arrow Award with Mississippi College graduate Wayne Burkes. A former state senator who served with distinction as a leader with the Mississippi Air National Guard, Burkes proved to be an effective Mississippi Central District transportation commissioner.

A longtime Tuscaloosa resident, Hahn is passionate about the Alabama Crimson Tide. He regularly cheers on Coach Nick Saban’s football team from his stadium skybox. The University of Alabama awarded the successful businessman an honorary doctorate. But Fred’s just as much on fire for the Blue & Gold at his alma mater in Clinton, Mississippi as an MC trustee and school supporter.

Hahn served on the board’s business affairs and building committees. Fred made major contributions to the MC scholarship fund, is a key supporter of the School of Business and several capital projects, President Lee Royce said. “He brought a wealth of business experience to our board, so critical in many deliberations. We look forward to his return to the Board of Trustees in 2015.”

At age 85, Mr. Hahn goes to work every day with the energy of people half his age. “He’s a self-made man who’s got a great feel for business,” says Becky Jaynes, controller with Industrial Warehouse Services/Seapac in Mobile, Alabama. “He’s been a good boss who cares about his employees.”

Inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2010, Hahn in recent years narrowed his business activities primarily to the Trucking and Warehouse Divisions of Industrial Warehouse Services.

The Mississippi native has faithfully worked as a board member with a number of charities, such as Hospice of West Alabama, the Boy Scouts, the Boys Club and YMCA, groups that specialize in helping people, young and old alike.

From the Business Council of Alabama to the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, he’s worked hard to promote economic development in his home state. He’s a member of the Civic Hall of Fame of Tuscaloosa County.

Fred spent the first ten years out of college working with the Illinois Central Railroad in the Sales & Public Relations Department. He then moved to Tuscaloosa in 1963 where he started a small trucking company, Service Express, Inc. In February 1968, Hahn launched Tuscaloosa Warehouse Inc. that later became Industrial Warehouse Services.

In the 1970s, the Mississippi College graduate started Indec, a waste disposal company which was sold to Waste Management in 1979. Following the sale, Hahn teamed up with his two sons, Philip and Gregg to start a new corporation named Seapac Inc. His oldest son, Philip, developed and manages the packaging plants. His youngest son, Gregg, developed and manages the paper converting plants.

As a stellar player in the business world, Fred Hahn “is willing to take a chance and see a vision,” says Becky Jaynes, a 1971 Mississippi College graduate.

Family and faith are a big part of his life. Fred Hahn married Helen Sue Haywood, who attended MC, in September 1950. In addition to their two sons, they are the parents of a daughter, Phyllis. All three children are associated with the family business.

Fred Hahn isn’t just well-known as a top-notch businessman. Decades ago, Fred excelled as a college baseball pitcher who later played semi-pro baseball.

Mr. Hahn and his wife, Helen, are members of First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa where he serves as a deacon.

MC’s 2014 Homecoming Dinner at Anderson Hall on October 17 begins at 6 p.m. that Friday evening. For more information, contact Lori Bobo of the Office of Alumni Affairs at 601-925-3252 or lbobo@mc.edu.