DAVID SAMUEL (SAM) COATS
One of the Authors of the
 Wright Amendment Compromise

   “Southwest Airlines, Love Field and the Wright Amendment”
 

 DAVID SAMUEL (SAM) COATS

Highly effective servant leader with varied domestic and international CEO/COO, and senior management experience. Proven ability to formulate and execute strategy, and to lead, recruit, mentor, and motivate in culturally diverse work environments. Record of success in leading startups and turnarounds, executing profitable growth strategies, and effecting culture change. IPO leadership experience. CEO/COO of two publicly held airlines. Successful CEO service at four other companies, each faced with difficult management and cultural challenges. Extensive record of volunteer community leadership and board of director service. Excellent communication skills. Strong belief in leading by example, hard work, integrity, fun, professionalism, and a healthy life style.

Professional Experience

S.I. Restructuring, Inc., Austin, Texas  2005 to 2006

President & Chief Executive Officer of the entity previously known as Schlotzsky’s, Inc., (renamed after the sale of the principal assets of Schlotzsky’s); responsible for helping administer and distribute the sale proceeds and other Schlotzsky’s assets.

Schlotzsky’s, Inc., Austin, Texas 2004 to 2005

President & Chief Executive Officer of a publicly held national franchisor of more than five hundred Schlotzsky’s restaurants operating in thirty-six states and six foreign countries. Recruited by the Schlotzsky’s Board to lead a financial restructuring of the Company. Quickly developed and executed a “Go Forward Plan” under which we closed unprofitable units, reduced staff, simplified operations, sought new working capital for the Company, and improved franchisee relations. Successfully guided the Company through a Chapter 11 proceeding and sale of principal assets and franchise system to a strategic investor.

Business & Aviation Consulting, Dallas, Texas           2002 to 2004

Various private consulting projects and Board of Director service.

The Sammons Travel Group, Dallas, Texas                2000 to 2001

President & Chief Executive Officer of one of America’s leading package tour operators. Brands included Adventure Tours USA in Dallas, Santo Tours in New York, and Town & Country Tours in Phoenix. Completed an estimated two-to-three year turnaround and sale mission in eleven months, resulting in the sale of the entire Sammons Travel Group to the Mark Travel Corporation, America’s largest package tour operator.

PROS Revenue Management, Inc., Houston, Texas   1996 to 1999

President & Chief Executive Officer of the world’s leading provider of airline revenue management software systems, serving more than eighty airlines. Customers included more than half of the world’s thirty largest carriers. Recruited “to take PROS to the next level”. Doubled revenues in less than two years, while remaining profitable. Worked throughout the world to serve existing customers and win new business. Helped lead PROS into new business verticals. Planned and directed the sale of a minority interest to strategic investors to provide working capital to fund future growth.

Senior Vice President during one of the most dramatic service and financial turnarounds in airline history. Served in a key leadership role in the corporate restructuring effort that reduced Continental’s costs and improved its financial performance by more than $390 million in one year. Led the management team charged with restructuring and reducing costs in Continental’s short haul operations. Responsible for Customer Relations, In-Flight, and Reservations divisions, during which time Continental moved “from worst to first” in customer satisfaction.

Southern Cross Airlines Holdings (Compass Airlines)1991 to 1993

Chief Executive Officer of a new publicly held, post deregulation Australian airline, utilizing MD-80 aircraft to serve major cities in Australia. Led the Company from its planning and fund raising stages to a successful startup.

Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C., Dallas, Texas                    1989 to 1991

Shareholder in a major Dallas law firm with practice focused on aviation, corporate law, and governmental affairs.

Trinity Texas Corporation, Dallas, Texas 1985 to 1989

President & Chief Executive Officer of a diversified group of privately owned business enterprises, including real estate, quick lubrication centers, oil and gas interests, and other real estate related entities.

Muse Air Corporation, Dallas, Texas                          1984 to 1985

President of a publicly held airline (acquired by Southwest Airlines in 1985).

Southwest Airlines Company, Dallas, Texas               1982 to 1984

Vice President, External Affairs

Braniff Airways, Inc., Dallas, Texas 1981 to 1982

Senior Vice President of a major domestic and international U.S. airline

Texas Research League, Austin, Texas                       1979 to 1981

President & Chief Executive Officer of a non profit governmental research organization whose mission was enhanced efficiency in State government.

Texas International Airlines, Inc., Houston, Texas     1973 to 1979

Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of a regional airline.

Educational & Civic: B.A. and J.D. degrees, University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Eagle Scout; former member of the Texas Legislature; extensive record of civic and charitable leadership service; moderate Spanish speaking capability.

Present Board Service: Texas Industries, Inc., Dallas, Texas (Compensation and Audit Committees); Safety-Kleen Holdco, Inc. (Compensation and Audit Committees.)