05-21-2008
07:48 PM
24 Loves
RE: Full page tribute to Mr. Herb Kelleher in USA Today, May 21, 2008
I would propose no other airline in the world would engender the appreciation for a captain of industry like Herb. It is refreshing to see the pilot's association of SWA have done so. That says volumes about a company that is doing things right in an industry that is struggling with serious challenges.
Years ago it was my priveledge to visit with Mr.Kelleher on a Southwest Flight, as he was known to sit in the passenger cabin on frequent occasions. We exchanged about the the airline industry and other industries, and how the company heads led their businesses. We got around to the retailing, hospitality, vehicle manufactuing and other businesses and exchanged about the company heads who spent every day in their offices vs. those who "got out there" even if just occasionally to monitor how the business was actually running and how the customers were responding. Herb was the latter category but much more - inquisitive about everything, passionate about the industry, passionate about Southwest, its people and its customers.
As a customer from the very beginning inaugural flights in the early 70s with a fleet of 3 Boeing 737's, 3 destinations and a contrarian business model that could be made to work, Southwest has always been "my airline of choice". Its people like Herb, Collen and all the others at SWA that make it so.
Best wishes,
Donald D. Beck PhD
Grand Rapids, MI
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