Thirty five years ago, Jerry Atkin was a wet-behind-the-ears kid who left a secure job and life in Northern Utah to become director of finance and help his uncle run a two-bit airline in his St. George hometown. A year later he assumed the helm of SkyWest Airlines, becoming the youngest president of any airline at 26, when he stepped in to rescue a failing airline. His strategy was simple – honesty – a strategy, if one can call it that, that not only saved the airline but marked its growth.

In the interest of full disclosure, I count myself among Atkin’s many admirers but that is not just because he is a nice guy. It is because he and the rest of SkyWest allowed me to peak behind the curtain to write Time Flies – The History of SkyWest Airlines.

Pouring over documents, federal filings, board of directors’ minutes, and promissory notes hand written on yellow legal paper, showed me that what you see at SkyWest is what you get. Even with extremely sensitive issues such as an IPO, accidents, an airline acquisition or a contract for new aircraft, Atkin never once obfuscated but urged frank treatment of the history he lived. The only corrections called for always, always ensuring that the history afforded equal recognition to all those who were with him in the trenches and continued to believe in him.

Having taken over the helm from his visionary uncle Ralph in 1974, he faced mounting bills. He wanted to avoid bankruptcy because no one in the Atkin family had ever gone bankrupt. So, in addition to his regular duties writing tickets, fueling aircraft and loading bags, he visited each and every vendor, and, with not much more than a hand shake, promised they would be repaid in full. That, they figured, was better than the 10 cents on the dollar they could otherwise expect. And, true to his word, they were all paid back in full and then some, allowing the airline to grow into one of the top airlines in the country.

But the story would be inaccurate if it just spoke of Atkin’s contribution and Jerry would be the first to call for a correction. In his 35 years, he has never once accepted accolades without reminding folks that it was not he who grew the success of the airline but the people of SkyWest. And, of course, he is right, but his management philosophy, based on honesty and a lot of the golden rule, set the tone and has since provided lessons for all airlines, especially in labor relations. Although the acquisition of Atlantic Southeast Airlines brought with it some very old and thorny labor problems which took far too long to resolve, SkyWest Airlines has successfully fought off multiple attempts to bring its pilots under the Air Line Pilots Association mantel.

Atkin, now chair and CEO of the holding company that runs SkyWest Airlines and ASA, oversees 10,000 employees. The company is celebrating the airline’s achievements with day-long festivities centered on his favorite phrase – A little better every day.

"Making constant improvements to everything we do - even if those improvements are small - has brought us success in the past, and it will continue to bring success in the future," said Atkin.

Ask any of the 10,000 or so SkyWest employees about Jerry C. Atkin, and you'll likely hear a specific example of how their long-time leader has made them feel appreciated. He consistently remembers names and job responsibilities and unfailingly thanks individuals for "everything they are doing." As he travels throughout the SkyWest system, Atkins concern for employees and the people they serve, reflects his philosophy that if you treat your people right they will treat the passenger right and it will come back to the company a thousand fold.

"SkyWest culture is still a family culture because of the people that work here, and it all starts at the top with Jerry," said regional chief flight attendant Laralee Anderson. "He sets that example for others and it shows!"

"Jerry has always been known for his approachability and genuine interest in SkyWest people," continued Steve Black, director - stations. "He clearly values everyone's role within the airline, and appears honored to be a part of helping to create and sustain so many opportunities and successes for so many people."

"Jerry has done a lot of great things in 35 years, and I think he instills a continued optimism and desire for improvement in all of SkyWest's people," said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines president and COO. "SkyWest is very fortunate to have Jerry's leadership - there are really very few who have done so much for one company."

It is that one-on-one give and take that is a critical part of the airline’s success as is ensuring that employees share in the profits wrought by their hard work. SkyWest, after all, explodes the notion that nice guys finish last.

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