Reaction to Tony Hsieh’s death: shock and tributes
Reaction on social media overnight to former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh’s death has generated an emotional outpouring, with people from Nevada and beyond sharing anecdotes of the entrepreneur.
From Nevadans:
Gov. Steve Sisolak: “Tony Hsieh played a pivotal role in helping transform Downtown Las Vegas. Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Councilman Cedric Crear:
Very saddened to hear of the passing of Tony Hsieh. Such a creative & innovative person who positively helped change the landscape of Downtown Las Vegas. We have been working on some cool projects for Downtown. God speed to his family, coworkers and our community. #TonyHsieh
— Councilman Cedric Crear (@CouncilmanCrear) November 28, 2020
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman:
What a tragic loss. Tony Hsieh meant so much to Las Vegas. He was always dreaming, working to inspire and leading others to create a new vision for tomorrow. Our prayers and sympathies to his family. pic.twitter.com/TeTwk3BGey
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) November 28, 2020
Circa co-owner Derek Stevens:
Supporting this City and the people within it, Tony Hsieh changed the landscape of Downtown Las Vegas. Our community will miss him greatly, rest in peace. I will miss him greatly. pic.twitter.com/eWmAvgLyPM
— Derek Stevens (@DerekJStevens) November 28, 2020
Business, entrepreneurial communities
Tony Hsieh might be the most original thinker I’ve ever been friends with. He questioned every assumption and shared everything he learned along the way. He genuinely delighted in making anyone and everyone happy. The earth has lost a beautifully weird and helpful person. RIP
— Chris Sacca 🇺🇸 (@sacca) November 28, 2020
Years ago Tony Hsieh learned I was visiting downtown Vegas and immediately insisted I stay at one of his places, made sure I knew local vegan places, and set me up with friends of his to go rock climbing with. He showed this love to everyone he touched. He was a kindness factory.
— Seth Bannon 👨🔬 (@sethbannon) November 28, 2020
Words can’t describe my feelings. Tony Hsieh is an innovator, a lovely weirdo and an inspiration. He meant so much to Vegas and fellow entrepreneurs. Tony, you still owe me that private jet ride. We'll fly one day, not in this world, but in a better one. https://t.co/JKhLLiS0Im
— Jia Jiang (@JiaJiang) November 28, 2020
Celebrating the life while mourning the loss of my dear friend Tony Hsieh. Tony was a deeply original thinker always challenging me to reject conformity & follow my heart. Tony was driven by the mission of delivering happiness & brought joy to all who knew him. Rest In Peace Tony pic.twitter.com/Nd5o6U7wV9
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2020
Once, when @Zappos was suffering a service outage, I sent them enough pizza for all 1,000 employees (thanks to my then employer, @Rackspace ). Tony Hsieh called me and thanked me profusely – he cared so much that we cared for his employees. He set an example many should follow.
— Rob La Gesse (@kr8tr) November 28, 2020
The ways you executed on your vision, will be studied intently for generations to come. #RIPTonyHsieh 💔 pic.twitter.com/xLBMNtbRJV
— Rasu Shrestha MD MBA (@RasuShrestha) November 28, 2020
RIP Tony Hsieh You always “Delivered Happiness”. It was an honor to help in the early days of Zappos from your “signature offices" in the old Cadillac Building in SF w/ your Mom, Dad & family helping build your dream. We will miss your enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. God Bless.
— Ron Conway (@RonConway) November 28, 2020
Search for tweets about Tony Hsieh rn and you’ll see it is possible to live a life of both high ambition and ultimate kindness. #tonyhsieh
— Sandro Roco (@alessandroroco) November 28, 2020
What is most significant about Tony Hsieh is not his spectacular business acumen, though. It is that everyone seems to have loved him and he seems to have taken his time with people everywhere without prejudice. He made the world better. A true beacon. RIP.
— Mikael Pawlo 🚩 (@mpawlo) November 28, 2020
With Tony Hsieh's passing it's mind-blowing how many people's lives he impacted. He's like that professor that always had an open door for office hours.
— rubab uddin (@RubabUddin) November 28, 2020
I hung out with Tony Hsieh at SXSW. In 2010, he was racing around Austin in the “Delivering Happiness” bus. I had no business being there, I wasn’t “important” but he let me hang out and be part of his shenanigans for the night. One of my most memorable SXSW experiences. pic.twitter.com/MENwLC341g
— Ari J. Greenberg (@agreenberg) November 28, 2020
More Tony Hsieh:
–Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh dies at 46
–Tony Hsieh to be honored on Fremont Street
–Tony Hsieh in Las Vegas — PHOTOS
From the archives:
–Ex-Zappos chief Tony Hsieh on homebuying spree in Utah (2020)
–Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, champion of downtown Las Vegas, retires (2020)
–Tony Hsieh talks Life is Beautiful, Downtown Project at conference
–Downtown guru Hsieh tinkers with ‘urban camping’ in Airstream trailer (2015)
–Tour offers glimpse inside Hsieh’s downtown apartment (2014)
–Entertainment Diet: Tony Hsieh (2016)
–NORM Q&A: Entrepreneur Tony Hsieh talks Tyra, Twitter, his mom’s dream (2013)
–Hsieh makes $45M in property deals downtown (2012)
–Hsieh gives $1M to bring young talent to downtown Las Vegas (2012)
–Zappos finalizes City Hall lease (2011)