James E. Casey

James E. Casey – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

James E. Casey (1888–1983) founded the American Messenger Company, precursor to UPS. His journey from humble beginnings to global logistics leader is a testament to vision, perseverance, and giving back. Discover his biography, principles, and enduring legacy.

Introduction

James E. Casey was an American entrepreneur whose name may not be widely known, but whose creation changed the way goods move around the world. Born on March 29, 1888, and passing on June 6, 1983, Casey founded what would become United Parcel Service (UPS), building it from a small messenger service into a global logistics empire. His philosophy of employees as stakeholders, commitment to service, and spirit of philanthropy shaped not only his company but also his lasting contributions to society.

Early Life and Family

James Emmett “Jim” Casey was born in Pickhandle Gulch, near Candelaria, Nevada, on March 29, 1888.

While still a child, his family moved to Seattle, Washington, where he grew up in a working-class environment. His early exposure to the bustle of a growing city and its needs for communication and parcel delivery influenced his later business vision.

Founding the Messenger Business & Rise of UPS

1907: Humble Beginnings

In 1907, at the age of 19, Casey and his friend Claude Ryan borrowed US $100 in debt to launch the American Messenger Company in Seattle.

Casey’s guiding motto was “best service and lowest rates.”

Expansion, Merger, and Transformation

Over time, Casey’s business merged with Evert McCabe’s Motorcycle Messengers to handle parcel deliveries, forming Merchants Parcel Delivery.

By 1919, the company had begun expanding beyond Seattle, and it adopted the name United Parcel Service (UPS).

Under Casey’s leadership, UPS would continue to grow, introducing innovations in routing, logistics, and operations.

Leadership & Philosophy

Casey served as president, CEO, and chairman of UPS until 1962 when he retired from active presidency, though he remained involved until his death.

One of Casey’s distinguishing leadership principles was employee ownership and profit sharing. He believed strongly that employees should share in the success of the company. The U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor cites one of his foundational principles:

“The basic principle which I believe has contributed more than any other to the building of our business … is the ownership of our company by the people employed in it.”

He also emphasized building others:

“One measure of your success will be the degree to which you build up others who work with you. While building up others, you will build up yourself.”

During the Great Depression, Casey maintained fair wages and working conditions and was known for cooperation with labor unions.

Casey’s leadership was marked by conservatism in finance, but a forward-looking orientation in logistics and service innovation.

Philanthropy & Foundations

Casey did not confine his efforts to business. He and his family created two major philanthropic legacies:

• Casey Family Programs (founded in 1966), which supports children unable to live with their birth parents and seeks to provide them stability.

• The Annie E. Casey Foundation, named after his mother, which works broadly on improving outcomes for children, families, and communities.

These foundations reflect Casey’s belief that success should be shared and that business can—and should—serve society.

Later Years & Death

James E. Casey died on June 6, 1983, in Seattle, Washington at age 95.

Posthumously, he has been honored in multiple ways:

• Inducted into the U.S. Department of Labor Hall of Honor (2002)

• Inducted into the Logistics Hall of Fame (2016)

• Recognized by various labor, business, and nonprofit communities for his contributions to management, philanthropy, and social service.

Personality, Values & Leadership Traits

James E. Casey is often described as modest, disciplined, and quietly ambitious. He did not seek the limelight; instead, he focused on systems, service, fairness, and sustainable growth.

Key values that defined him:

• Service-first: His mantra “best service and lowest rates” underscored that customers must always come first.

• Employee ownership and dignity: He believed people working in the company should share in its success.

• Long-term focus over short gains: Casey was cautious financially but bold in service strategy.

• Humility & giving back: Founding major charitable institutions reflects his recognition that success demands responsibility.

Even though he lived long and saw many changes, his core principles remained consistent.

Famous Quotes of James E. Casey

Here are several widely attributed quotes that encapsulate his mindset:

1. “The basic principle which I believe has contributed more than any other to the building of our business as it is today, is the ownership of our company by the people employed in it.”

2. “One measure of your success will be the degree to which you build up others who work with you. While building up others, you will build up yourself.”

3. (Attributed in business quote collections) “Success is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution.”

4. (Also attributed) “The way to build a better company is to put under better management the people you already have.”

5. (Attributed) “To succeed, we must first believe that we can.”

These quotes reinforce Casey’s emphasis on people, belief, stewardship, and leadership.

Lessons from James E. Casey

• Start small, think big: Casey began with $100 and bicycles, yet envisioned a national logistics network.

• Align profit with purpose: He believed businesses could both flourish financially and serve employees and society.

• Empower others: His devotion to elevating employees and communities amplifies impact.

• Sustain through crises: Through economic downturns and changes, his emphasis on principles over fads helped UPS endure.

• Leave a legacy beyond business: His philanthropic work ensures that his influence continues beyond commerce.

Conclusion

James E. Casey’s life may not be spotlighted in popular narratives, but his achievements resonate daily in the brown trucks that deliver parcels across the globe. He built UPS from a small Seattle messenger service into an international logistics powerhouse, all while preserving his humanity, service ethic, and belief in giving back. His legacy isn’t just a business—it’s a model of leadership rooted in dignity, ownership, and stewardship.