Wally’s Right-Hand Men: Art Costello and Andrew Charles

There need to be something unique about the initials “A.C.” From the early starts of Airstream, Art Costello and Andrew Charles were Wally’s right-hand guys, serving in numerous management functions throughout Airstream’s history. Both guys cared deeply for Wally and thought whole-heartedly in the Airstream Way Of Living.

Art Costello, a local of New york city, studied Engineering and Mathematics at Cornell University prior to signing up with the war effort throughout The second world war. Following the war, Art concerned California and landed a task as a truck chauffeur for a guy called Wally Byam at Curtis Wright Industries, Inc. When Wally left Curtis Wright in 1947 to resume Airstream, Art joined him.

Artwork to buy products for Airstream. This was no simple job in the early days as products were limited after the war and the business had no money reserves. Nevertheless, staff members were so committed to the objective that they would in some cases chip in their own cash to buy a refrigerator or range in order to make a sale.

As company grew and Wally started leading more Caravans, Art Costello and Andy Charles were mostly accountable for handling the factory throughout his lack. Costello dealt with company and labor relations while Charles handled item style and sales. While on Caravans, Wally would return keeps in mind with concepts for enhancements to the travel trailers and the duo would work relentlessly to execute these brand-new functions.

When Wally retired in 1957 he made Art Costello President of Airstream in California and Andy Charles President of Airstream in Ohio. Art regularly compared business and economics of the Ohio plant with the California plant in order to keep the California plant as much as its finest requirements. A competitive however thoughtful business person, Art was immediately identifiable by his vibrant fits, fashion jewelry, and hallmark smile.

Upon Wally’s death in 1962, Airstream of Ohio and Airstream of California turned into one and Art was called President of Airstream, Inc. in 1963. Art sought to Wally as a 2nd dad and kept in mind upon his death, ” There is no end to the important things that Wally taught me: how to get things done, for instance. However generally he taught me-proceed through life with faith, not fear, which has actually been the best thing worldwide to me.”

Art understood the ins and outs of the business and made sure Airstream’s survival after Wally’s death. A charming and gifted leader, he looked after his staff members and dedicated himself to structure income and strengthening item quality. He took a trip to the Ohio plant 2 weeks on a monthly basis to interact better. Together, Art and Wally developed the custom of giving out turkeys to each worker at Thanksgiving, and a ham to each at Christmas, a custom which continues today.

Art Costello died in 1972 at the age of 53 from a cardiovascular disease while in semi-retirement. In 1973 he was inducted into the RV/Motorhome Hall of Popularity for his exceptional accomplishments in the advancement of travel trailers. Costello was accountable for the execution of lots of engineering developments in Airstream history consisting of the Univolt electrical system and the Aerostress chassis.

Wally Byam satisfied Andrew “Andy” Charles while working for Lockheed throughout WWII. In 1950, Wally worked with Andy to operate in the Airstream factory on North Main St. in LA. He desired Andy to find out as much as possible about the production procedure so Andy began in furniture-making and ultimately transferred to being an inspector.

When Wally chose to broaden eastward, Andy took a trip with Wally throughout the Midwest in order to discover a place for the brand-new plant. In 1952 Wally and Andy picked a deserted factory in Jackson Center, Ohio

Andy was entrusted with turning the uninhabited structure into a growing Airstream factory. He worked to work with and train employees in addition to cultivate relationships with regional providers and dealerships. The Ohio plant began with a production level of 1 Airstream each week however by the 3 rd year the Ohio plant was producing more travel trailers than California.

Under Andy’s management, the Ohio plant contributed in the advancement of the very first self-contained travel trailer. Andy was a reflective leader who was enthusiastic about travel, style, and quality. Upon Wally’s retirement in 1957, Andy Charles was called President of Airstream in Ohio.

Andy stated of Wally, “He provided me the chance- the brashness- to envision what might be done, and think it or not, to see it take place.”

It was Wally Byam’s most significant dream to lead a caravan all over the world Sadly, Wally was not able to meet this dream prior to he lost his fight with cancer in 1962. Nevertheless, Andy Charles had actually assured to lead this Caravan for Wally, and set out to meet his guarantee in 1963. A charming Caravan leader, he led the group on a life-altering journey from Singapore to Cabo Da Roca, Portugal. They took a trip over 30,000 miles in 403 days.

A famous figure in Airstream history, Andy Charles laid the structure that has actually permitted the business to thrive in Ohio for the previous 6 years. Andy’s capability and devotion to put Wally’s visions into action, from the Ohio plant to the Worldwide Caravan, can not be neglected.

Though frequently competitive in their management, Art and Andy were both important in assisting grow Airstream into what it is today. Their varying designs and characters brought a range of success to Airstream and honored Wally’s vision for the Airstream Way Of Living.