Herb Kelleher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herb Kelleher
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Kelleher in 2013
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Herbert David Kelleher
March 12, 1931 Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | January 3, 2019 (aged 87) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Wesleyan University (BA) New York University (JD) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Co-founder of Southwest Airlines |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Negley |
| Children | 4 |
Herbert David Kelleher (born March 12, 1931 – died January 3, 2019) was an important American businessman and lawyer. He was famous for co-founding Southwest Airlines, a major airline known for its affordable flights and unique company culture. He served as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and chairman of Southwest Airlines for many years, staying connected to the company until his death.
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Herb Kelleher's Early Life and Education
Herb Kelleher was born in Camden, New Jersey, on March 12, 1931. He grew up in Audubon, New Jersey, and finished high school there. He went to Wesleyan University and earned a bachelor's degree, studying English and Philosophy. Later, he earned a law degree from New York University School of Law.
Building Southwest Airlines
After working for a judge in New Jersey, Kelleher moved to Texas. He wanted to start his own law firm or business. He became a partner in a law firm.
Starting a New Airline Idea
In 1967, Kelleher and one of his clients, a Texas businessman named Rollin King, came up with an idea. They wanted to create a simple, low-cost airline that would connect the main cities in Texas, like Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. This idea was inspired by another airline in California.
Many people say their business plan was drawn on a cocktail napkin, but Kelleher and King later said that wasn't exactly true. It was a simple, smart plan to offer cheap flights.
Facing Challenges and Taking Off
After they officially started the company, called "Air Southwest Co." at first, they faced four years of legal battles. Other airlines tried to stop them from flying. But Kelleher and King won important cases in the highest courts in the United States and Texas.
Finally, on June 18, 1971, the first Southwest Airlines flights took off! Kelleher later said that seeing the first plane arrive after all those years of fighting was his greatest moment in business. He even kissed the plane and cried.
Leading Southwest Airlines
At first, Kelleher helped the company with legal issues. In 1981, he became the full-time CEO and president of Southwest Airlines, a role he held for 20 years.
Under Kelleher's leadership, Southwest Airlines became very successful. They focused on offering low fares to passengers and removed extra services that cost more. They also used mostly one type of airplane, the Boeing 737, which made maintenance easier.
Instead of using a "hub-and-spoke" system (where all flights go through one main airport), Southwest used a "point-to-point" system. This meant flights went directly from one city to another. They also used smaller, less busy airports, like Dallas Love Field instead of the larger Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Because of Kelleher's leadership, Southwest Airlines was often named one of the most admired companies in America by Fortune magazine. Fortune even called him one of the best CEOs in America.
A Unique Company Culture
Herb Kelleher was known for his fun and outgoing personality. He created a special company culture at Southwest where employees were encouraged to be themselves and have fun, but still take their jobs seriously.
One famous story shows his unique style: In 1992, another company, Stevens Aviation, had a slogan similar to Southwest's new motto, "Just Plane Smart." To settle the issue, Kelleher and Stevens Aviation's CEO decided to have an arm-wrestling match! This event was called "Malice in Dallas." Kelleher lost the match, but Southwest was allowed to keep using the slogan in exchange for a $5,000 donation to charity.
Stepping Down and Remaining Connected
In March 2001, Kelleher stepped down as CEO and president, but he remained the chairman of the company. In 2007, he announced he would step down as chairman in 2008. He was given the title of "chairman emeritus" and kept an office at Southwest Airlines headquarters. He stayed connected to the company he helped build until he passed away in 2019.
From 2011 to 2013, Kelleher also served as the chairman of the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Awards and Honors
Herb Kelleher received more than 100 awards and honors during his life for his work in business and aviation. Some of his most notable awards include:
- Inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, 1988.
- Tony Jannus Award for amazing leadership in the airline industry, 1993.
- Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, 1996.
- Named CEO of the year by Chief Executive magazine, 1999.
- Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2002.
- Bower Award for Business Leadership, 2003.
- L. Welch Pogue Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aviation, 2005.
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, 2008.
- A section of Cedar Springs Road in Dallas, Texas, leading to Love Field Airport was officially renamed Herb Kelleher Way in 2014.
Personal Life
While in college, Herb Kelleher met Joan Negley on a blind date. They got married, and Joan introduced him to the state of Texas. Kelleher loved Texas, saying that moving there was the best business decision he ever made.
Herb and Joan Kelleher had four children: Julie, Michael, Ruth, and David.
Kelleher was known for working very hard and getting little sleep. He faced health challenges, including being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999. Herb Kelleher passed away on January 3, 2019, in Dallas, at the age of 87.
