North
Carolina
Business
Hall of
Fame
Frank Hawkins Kenan (August 3, 1912 - June 4, 1996)
Inducted 1991
One of the 20th Century's most successful North Carolina entrepreneurs, Frank Kenan's interests ranged from transportation and oil industries, to community public service in Durham and at his alma mater, the University
Junior Achievement
Born in 1912 in Atlanta, GA, Frank Kenan's family was in the banking business (Third National Bank of Atlanta). Not always an eager student, Frank's parents send him to a Virginia boarding school, Woodberry Forest. With competition at the school, Frank applied himself and graduated at the top of his class.
Starting a life-long love, Frank attended UNC Chapel Hill in 1931, playing football, boxing and studying business. When he graduated in 1935, he worked as a commission agent for Pure Oil Company. In 1935, he started Kenan Oil Company with one truck and one employee. After three months, he made a profit.
During World War II, Kenan served as a lieutenant (1941-45) in the United States Navy in Charleston, S.C.
While he was in the service, Kenan Oil Co. was operated by associate J. H. Mallard. Expanding his enterprises, Kenan founded Kenan Transport Company in 1943, which would grow into the largest Southeast petroleum hauler.
After the war, Kenan got involved in commercial real estate through his launching Tops Petroleum Corporation - gasoline stations, Westfield Company - a developer of shopping centers, and Servicetown Inc. - chain of truck stops.
Kenan served as Durham County commissioner during the 1950s and '60s.
In 1964, Frank became a director for Flagler Systems, Inc., a group of businesses previously run by William R. Kenan, Jr. Flagler had developed Florida into a attractive resort state with hotels, newspapers and even a railroad. Frank would later become chairman and CEO of Flagler Systems, Inc.
Since 1978, he was a trustee of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.
His imprint at UNC at Chapel Hill is evident from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and numerous scholarships.
Honorary degrees were awarded to Frank Kenan from North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Hollins College, the University of the South, and Elon College. He also received the North Carolina Public Service Award, the North Carolina Philanthropy Award, and the Durham Chamber of Commerce Civic Honor Award. Kenan's service and philanthropy to the University of North Carolina was recognized with many awards, including the General Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Medal and the Distinguished Alumnus Award.
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