Aaron Tomas Hackett's Obituary
Aaron Tomas Hackett, 53, of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024. Aaron was born on May 8, 1970 to his loving parents, Bruce and Tress Hackett, on Clark Air Base, in Angeles City, Philippines.
Aaron attended the University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. During his time there, he crossed into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1991 and later became a lifetime member. A lifelong learner, Aaron also received a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He then went on to attend Stanford University with his brother Darrel where they each received an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Aaron led a very successful career working for companies like Procter & Gamble and Conagra before going out on his own as an entrepreneur. He started his own brand consulting firm more than 15 years ago, 80/20 Brand Building and also authored and published a book, 80/20 Brand: Brand Building with a P&G Edge. Most recently, Aaron served as Chief Marketing Officer at Sawa Credit Inc., an organization focused on building equality in credit and lending. He also served as a Professor of the Practice at Georgia Tech for more than a decade where he was beloved by his students as recognized by his many Student Recognition of Excellence in Teaching awards.
Aaron fell in love with his wife Ingrid while the two were working at Procter & Gamble. They married on July 4, 2003 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Aaron and Ingrid were blessed with three beautiful children, Nadia (18), Naomi (16), and Aaron Jr. (13).
Aaron was the oldest of three siblings, he loved and is loved by his brother, Darrel Hackett of Chicago, IL, and sister, Lisa Campbell of Nashville, TN.
Aaron was a bright light to everyone he encountered. He warmed every room he entered with his smile and constant jokes and laughter. He spent his evenings and weekends with his family doing the things his children love like basketball, soccer, and track. Dedicated to the education of his children and their peers, Aaron served on the Atlanta International School Board for the last five years where he chaired multiple committees, served on the DEI committee, and most recently held the role of Vice Chair. He was an avid fitness and health enthusiast who always encouraged others to prioritize their own health and wellbeing.
Aaron is survived by his wife, Ingrid, and their children, Nadia, Naomi, and Aaron Jr., as well as his parents, Bruce and Tress Hackett, and his siblings and their families, Darrel, Nickol, Donovan, and Shelby Hackett and Lisa, Todd, Todd, Taylor, and Trent Campbell, along with many other loving family members, fraternity brothers, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Aaron?
What’s a lesson you learned from Aaron?
Share a story where Aaron's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Aaron you’ll never forget.
How did Aaron make you smile?