When we think of Seattle startups, I never hear UPS mentioned. But it was not only founded here by Jim Casey but he left an incredible three legacies: UPS, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Casey Family Programs.
“In 1907, 19-year-old James (Jim) Casey founded the American Messenger Company in Seattle, Washington He served as president, CEO and chairman. Claude Ryan was his partner and his messengers were his brother George and other teenagers. His motto was “best service and lowest rates“. Deliveries were made on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle.[1]
“In 1913, Jim Casey agreed to merge with Evert McCabe’s Motorcycle Messengers. Merchants Parcel Delivery was formed and focused now on packages. Their first delivery car was a 1913 Ford Model T.[1]
“In 1919, the company expanded beyond Seattle and changed its name to United Parcel Service (UPS).
“He consistently gave credit to his mother, Annie E. Casey, for holding their family together after Jim’s father died. As a youngster delivering packages on the Seattle streets, Jim Casey was exposed to the excesses of a bustling city in the midst of the Klondike Gold Rush. He credited the guidance of a strong mother and support of his family with keeping him grounded.
“The successful businessman sought ways to help those who lacked the family life he found to be so crucial. With his brothers George and Harry and his sister Marguerite, Mr. Casey created Casey Family Programs in 1966 to help children who were unable to live with their birth parents—giving them stability and an opportunity to grow to responsible adulthood.”
By the time of his death, Mr. Casey left three amazing legacies: United Parcel Service, the Annie E. Casey Foundation (assets of about $2.5 billion at the end of 2015), and Casey Family Programs (assets of about $2.2 billion). So remember when the brown truck with the “brown Santa Claus” shows up out front, that it all started with Jim Casey right here in Seattle. Click here for more about Jim Casey’s story.