Tony Hsieh Biography

Short Summary

Tony Hsieh was an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist best known for his role as the CEO of Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer. Under his leadership, Zappos became renowned for its exceptional customer service and innovative company culture. Hsieh was also a key figure in revitalizing downtown Las Vegas through his Downtown Project, aimed at transforming the area into a vibrant community hub. He is remembered for his visionary approach to business and his commitment to fostering happiness in the workplace.

Early Life & Education

Tony Hsieh was born on December 12, 1973, in Urbana, Illinois, to Taiwanese immigrant parents. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. As a child, he experimented with small business ventures, such as a worm farm and a button-making business. Hsieh attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in computer science. While at Harvard, he managed the Quincy House Grille, showcasing his early interest in customer service and business management. His educational background and early experiences laid the foundation for his future success in the tech and retail industries.

Career Highlights

After graduating from Harvard, Tony Hsieh began his career at Oracle Corporation but soon left to co-found LinkExchange, an internet advertising network. The startup was sold to Microsoft for $265 million in 1998. Hsieh then founded Venture Frogs, an investment firm, which led him to invest in Zappos in 1999. He became the CEO of Zappos, transforming it into a company renowned for its unique culture and customer-centric approach. Under his leadership, Zappos was acquired by Amazon in 2009 for approximately $1.2 billion. Hsieh also spearheaded the Downtown Project, a $350 million initiative to revitalize downtown Las Vegas.

Major Achievements

Led Zappos to become a leader in customer service and company culture, revolutionizing the online retail industry.
Co-founded LinkExchange, which was sold to Microsoft for $265 million, marking his first major entrepreneurial success.
Authored "Delivering Happiness," a bestselling book that outlines his business philosophy and principles.
Played a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas through the Downtown Project.

Famous Quotes

"Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you."
"Your culture is your brand."

Interesting Facts

He lived in an Airstream trailer in downtown Las Vegas as part of his vision for community living.
Hsieh was known for hosting lavish parties and events to foster networking and community building.
He was a passionate advocate for creating company cultures that prioritize employee happiness.
His book "Delivering Happiness" became a New York Times bestseller soon after its release.

Legacy / Influence

Tony Hsieh left a lasting impact on the business world through his innovative approaches to company culture and customer service. His emphasis on happiness and community continues to influence how businesses view employee and customer engagement. The Downtown Project also left a mark on urban revitalization efforts, showcasing the potential of entrepreneurial investment in community development.