Early Life and FedEx Foundation
Fred Smith, a Marine Corps veteran and graduate, founded in 1973, revolutionizing the express delivery industry with his "hub and spokes" system for air cargo.
Smith's vision for FedEx was rooted in a college term paper and overcame initial financial and regulatory hurdles to establish overnight delivery as a business standard.
Legacy and Contributions
Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global logistics giant, handling 17 million shipments per day and reshaping American business with time-sensitive deliveries.
Beyond FedEx, Smith was known for his philanthropic efforts and support for Memphis, leaving a significant impact on the economy and community before his passing.