Herbert D. “Herb” Kelleher

Founder of Southwest Airlines

Attorney Herbert D. “Herb” Kelleher, with businessman Rollin King and banker John Parker, sketched the concept of what would become Southwest Airlines on a cocktail napkin in a San Antonio, Texas restaurant. The idea was to improve travel between Houston, Dallas and San Antonio by eliminating unnecessary services and operating out of secondary airports in order to provide lower fares. Kelleher’s colorful personality created the Southwest Airlines culture of fun-loving employees who take their jobs very seriously. Dallas-based Southwest greatly expanded under Kelleher’s leadership, and now employs over 50,000 people and offers service to over 90 destinations.