Federal Express

“By 1979, Federal Express hit one billion dollars in revenue. The first American company to reach that milestone in under 10 years at that point without any acquisitions.”

“By late, he'd raised ninety-one million dollars in venture capital. More than any startup had ever raised at that point.”

“Federal Express changed one thing. They started paying by the shift, not the hour. Get done faster, go home earlier, exact same pay. Up until that point, the sort had been a nightly disaster, and suddenly it ran like clockwork.”

“By 1988 Federal Express owned 45% of the U.S. Overnight market”

“In 1977, Congress passed the Federal Express Bill deregulating air cargo completely.”

“When speed matters, seeing beats talking.”

“Smith Flew to Las Vegas with the company's last 5000 dollars, and by Monday morning, he'd won 27,000 dollars at Blackjack, enough for fuel and payroll for another few weeks.”

“Pay them by the shift, so when they're done, they can just go home. The problem ended literally overnight.”