Jon W. Pritchett

Pritchett experienced firsthand the challenges that affect the entire family during a divorce. “As an observer of challenging relationships, I realized how important it is to find the right partner in life—the person with whom you build a future and a stable family. That is something I have thought about a lot.”

At 17, Pritchett graduated from high school and enrolled in a two-year college now known as Florida Gateway College. After earning his associate degree, he began studying business at the University of Florida. At this point, his father now owned a trucking business. “I was happily working with my father, who was giving me more and more responsibility,” he says. “After I completed my junior year, I decided to take a year off from school to work full time. I planned on going back to school, but never did. I liked the trucking industry and knew that at some point I wanted to start my own business. I was anxious to make that happen.”

In his early 30s, Jon approached his father and asked him if he would go 50/50 with him to start his own company. “At that time, my father had significant assets and he had a much easier time raising his 50 percent than I did. But my work experience with him paid off, and we launched Nextran Truck Centers in 1993 by acquiring two Mack Truck dealerships in Jacksonville, Florida.”

Under his leadership as president and CEO, Nextran became the world’s top-selling dealer of Mack Trucks, and has grown from two locations in Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida, to 32 locations across the United States, employing more than 1,400 people. He also serves as president of Pritchett Trucking, a regional carrier with a strong reputation for safety and operational excellence. The company safely delivers more than 3,500 truckloads of materials each week.

When he started Nextran, Pritchett pioneered a sales culture that in many ways reflected his life experiences, motivating staff to achieve lofty goals. Leading by example, he encourages people and teams to take active steps to improve performance and drive results without waiting for formal instruction. This culture has become foundational to the company’s success. With his innate enthusiasm, Pritchett’s positive energy and passion enabled the company to resiliently bounce back from the Great Recession of 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

Pritchett and his wife, Kelly, are devoted philanthropists who generously support causes that benefit numerous organizations across the U.S. With a passion for education and athletics, the Pritchetts are strong supporters of the University of Florida. Pritchett serves as the chairman of the executive committee of the University of Florida Foundation, which raises approximately $500 million each year.

Additionally, the Pritchetts are avid supporters of the University of Florida Athletic Association and Gator Boosters, where he served as president of the Gator Boosters Board of Directors. Kelly and Jon Pritchett, along with their daughters, Alexandra and Christina, focus their philanthropic support on organizations that promote the wellness of children and families, including UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network, American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and more.

When asked how he defines success, Pritchett says, “Success is about more than just financial achievements. Success to me is much deeper. I measure success first by the relationship I have with my family. I also believe a major measurement of success is about creating opportunities for others, positively impacting your community, and leaving behind a legacy of integrity and service.”

When considering values, Pritchett says, “Family is the foundation of everything I value most in life. It is where everything else is rooted. Through the ups and downs in my life, my family has always been my greatest source of strength and inspiration. My philosophy is simple: Integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. I believe in the power of hard work and staying true to your values, no matter the challenges you face.”

Pritchett’s advice to Horatio Alger Scholars is “to never lose hope and to focus on what you can control. Work hard, do what you say you will do, stay true to your values, take calculated chances, and seek opportunities to better yourself. Surround yourself with people that compliment your skills and always lift you up.”

Honored by his Horatio Alger Award, Pritchett says, “I have immense respect and admiration for the significant impact the Horatio Alger Association has had on the lives of so many individuals,” says Pritchett. “To now be formally inducted into the organization and stand alongside my fellow 2025 honorees is truly humbling. This means a great deal to me because the values on which the Association was founded reflect those that have guided me throughout my professional and personal life—perseverance, integrity, excellence, and the belief that anyone can achieve success, regardless of their circumstances or background.”