Employee Spotlight

Customer Support & Services Customer Representative Robert Carner

Customer Support & Services Customer Representative Robert Carner has been brightening the days of our Customers and Employees long before he received his Southwest® badge—seriously, we’re talking decades! He fell in love with the Culture of Southwest Airlines® in the 1970s, the first time he flew with us from Midland/Odessa to Dallas. His passion earned him the nickname “Mr. Southwest” at a previous employer, and that wasn’t his only nickname. For years, Robert flew every weekend to maintain his Companion Pass® status. He always brought treats for our Employees, who came to know him affectionately as the “Candy Man”!

This sweet story doesn’t stop there. Robert’s admiration for Southwest led him to purchase tickets for our inaugural flight to Hawaii in early 2019, as well as the four inaugural flights to the other cities we serve in Hawaii, so he could be part of those historic moments. He says the fun and festive atmosphere onboard those flights inspired him “to do whatever I needed to do to become a Southwest Employee.” In early 2022, Robert officially joined the Southwest Family. After many years of experiencing above-andbeyond service from Southwest Employees, he was the one sharing the love finally!

Not long ago, Robert traveled to New Orleans on a special mission to pick up fresh beignets for a party. Unfortunately, his flight home got delayed. As he sat at the gate, surrounded by Customers and waiting for updates, he began to notice that everything in the airport was closing, limiting food for our Customers and Employees. Robert shared, “I saw an opportunity to brighten people’s day, and I took it!” He passed out beignets to each Customer, Ops Agent, Customer Service Agent, and Crew Member he saw at the gate. Many of our Customers gratefully hugged him, and the Captain’s face lit up when he was handed a big bag of beignets for himself and his Crew.

Robert says he’s motivated to share with Customers and Cohearts because, “It’s the little things in life that make me smile. That, and being part of the Southwest Family.” We couldn’t agree more, Robert. You make our hearts smile every day, and we’re so glad you’re officially part of our Family!