E17 - #16 How Jim Casey Turned Service Into UPS's Superpower

Jim Casey's story is one of the most remarkable entrepreneurial journeys in American business history. Born in 1888 in Nevada, Casey's life took a dramatic turn when his father, Henry, was diagnosed with miners lung disease and could no longer work. At just 11 years old, Jim became the family's breadwinner, forced to drop out of school and work alongside his younger brother to support their entire household on $6 per week.

These early hardships forged Casey's character in profound ways. Working the night shift for American District Telegraph Company, young Jim delivered messages through the roughest parts of Seattle...