Date of Birth: March 12, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: January 3, 2019
Biography
Herbert David Kelleher, known as Herb Kelleher, was an influential American businessman and co-founder of Southwest Airlines. Born on March 12, 1931, in Camden, New Jersey, Kelleher played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the airline industry with his innovative and customer-friendly business practices. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a law degree from New York University, Kelleher initially practiced law in New Jersey and Texas. In 1967, Kelleher and client Rollin King sketched the idea for a low-cost airline on a cocktail napkin, which led to the creation of Southwest Airlines. Under Kelleher’s leadership, Southwest Airlines grew from a small regional carrier into one of the largest and most successful airlines in the United States. He served as the company’s CEO from 1981 to 2001 and as Chairman from 1978 to 2008. Known for his charismatic personality and unconventional management style, Kelleher fostered a unique company culture that emphasized employee satisfaction and customer service. Herb Kelleher passed away on January 3, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in the airline industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Herb Kelleher
1. Herb Kelleher co-founded Southwest Airlines in 1967, initially sketching the business plan on a cocktail napkin.
2. He was known for his unique management style, which included dressing up in costumes and engaging in arm-wrestling matches with employees.
3. Under his leadership, Southwest Airlines became the first airline to offer a “Bags Fly Free” policy, which remains a significant part of its customer-friendly approach.
4. Kelleher was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1988 and received the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy in 2004.
5. He was an advocate for employee satisfaction, believing that happy employees would lead to happy customers and a successful business.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Herb Kelleher
1. “Your employees come first. And if you treat your employees right, guess what? Your customers come back, and that makes your shareholders happy.”
2. “We have a strategic plan. It’s called doing things.”
3. “Think small and act small, and we’ll get bigger. Think big and act big, and we’ll get smaller.”
4. “Power should be reserved for weightlifting and boats, and leadership really involves responsibility.”
5. “A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Herb Kelleher’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 billion.
Children
Herb Kelleher had four children: Ruth Kelleher, Michael Kelleher, David Kelleher, and Elizabeth Kelleher.
Relevant Links
1. [Southwest Airlines Official Website](https://www.southwest.com
2. [Herb Kelleher on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb_Kelleher
