Patrick Hylant ’70 is currently serving as Chairman at one of the nation’s largest privately held insurance brokers, Hylant, after turning over the CEO title in 2008. Though his degree in Insurance and Risk Management from Ohio State is what helped him build his career, he says his years as a Phi Delt had a hand in his success as well.
“I pledged Phi Delta Theta my freshman year. I joined PDT because of the outstanding rush job that George McCloy and Jeff Gudenkauf did on me and a number of my friends. My connection with George continued after college, as we became business partners for many years.
I lived in the house for three years and enjoyed every minute of it. Maybe with the exception of Hell Week. During my time in PDT, I served as the summer rush chair, which was a full-time paid job, where I would meet with prospective members and their parents, show off the house, and tour the campus with them.
I became Rush Chair my sophomore year and President during my junior year. As Rush Chair, I learned to be a salesman, traveling the state of Ohio seeking new brothers. As President, I learned how to run a business, stick to a budget, collect receivables, and herd cats. Even though I am semi-retired, I still use the skills I learned at PDT. I also stay in touch with many of my brothers.
I married my high school sweetheart, Ann Morehead. We have a son, a daughter, and seven grandkids. We winter on Marco Island in Florida, summer in Harbor Springs, Michigan, and occasionally go to Toledo where the business is headquartered and we still keep a house there.
I still see some of my brothers. I hunt, fish, and have dinner with Rick Hires. I also see Skip Gardner ’68, Jeff Gibbs ’70, and Joe Dehaven ’70.
Today, I still give to Phi Delta Theta because of the memories I have and to help others make their own memories.”