The aviation industry can teach entrepreneurs that business, like life, has many twists and turns.
Book Description
The deregulation of the airline industry dramatically altered the pace of human interaction throughout the twentieth century. Maury Gallagher was among the young entrepreneurs leading change during this turbulent era, eventually building one of the most successful ultra-low-cost carriers to date: Allegiant Air.
The professional life of Maury Gallagher is one intertwined with the history of the aviation industry. His story begins with recounting the shaky early years following deregulation and the “Wild West” nature of the aviation industry at that time. Maury’s journey, starting with his first airline, taught him valuable lessons that he would take with him through the trials and tribulations of his ValuJet experience and the eventual revitalization of a small startup called Allegiant, which has since become the travel powerhouse it is today.
Amid political strife, economic decline, and the COVID pandemic, Maury’s over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry can teach entrepreneurs that business, like life, has many twists and turns. This chronicle about a modern aviation pioneer is part memoir, part history book, and part business textbook. Maury’s story is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that engages the reader at every turn with that simple question every entrepreneur asks: What’s next!
2007 Allegiant Route Map
Testimonials
Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr
Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. has had a diverse entrepreneurial career, primarily in the aviation and telecommunications industries.
He has been actively involved in Allegiant Travel Company since becoming majority owner and joining the board of directors in 2001. He assumed the role of Executive Chairman in late 2024, in addition to serving as Chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2006. He served as Chief Executive Officer from 2003 through August 2024.
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Before his involvement with Allegiant, Mr. Gallagher focused on his investment activities, including founding companies such as MPower Communications Corp., a telecommunications company where he served as CEO from 1997 to 1999 and Chairman of the Board from 1996 until 2002.
Mr. Gallagher was a founder and owner of ValuJet Airlines, Inc. (which later merged with AirTran Airways and was acquired by Southwest Airlines), serving as an officer and director from 1993 to 1997. From 1983 to 1992, he was a principal owner and executive at WestAir Commuter Airlines.
In addition to his airline and telecommunications ventures, Mr. Gallagher was an early investor in PurchasePro.com and a founding partner of BankServ.
Mr. Gallagher developed an interest in car racing in the late 2000s, after being introduced to the sport by his business partners. In 2011 his son, Spencer Gallagher, became serious about stock car auto racing, leading to Mr. Gallagher found Gallagher Motorsports (GMS). GMS participated in the ARCA Menards Series through 2014, adding the Craftsman Truck Series in 2015. Through 2023, GMS won a total 71 races including five championships – two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series titles in 2016 and 2020, and three ARCA Menards Series titles in 2015, 2019, and 2020. In 2021, Mr. Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Racing, forming Legacy Motor Club in partnership with Richard Petty. In 2022, Jimmie Johnson joined as a partner.
Mr. Gallagher graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor of Arts in History and holds an M.B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
He and his wife, Marcia, reside in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their daughter, Claire, lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Scott. Their sons, Spencer and Jordan, reside in Las Vegas.
Mr. Gallagher enjoys cycling and golf and is a passionate supporter of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team and the Las Vegas Raiders.
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