Charles Koch
Charles Koch
Charles de Ganahl Kochis an American businessman, political donor and philanthropist. He is co-owner, chairman of the board, and chief executive officer of Koch Industries, while his brother David H. Koch serves as Executive Vice President. Charles and David each own 42% of the conglomerate. The brothers inherited the business from their father, Fred C. Koch, then expanded the business. Originally involved exclusively in oil refining and chemicals, Koch Industries now includes process and pollution control equipment and technologies; polymers...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBusiness Executive
Date of Birth1 November 1935
CityWichita, KS
CountryUnited States of America
Everything I give, pretty much, is public. Not every donor wants to - or is willing to get the kind of abuse and attacks that we do, or death threats, so they're not willing to have their names out. I think the other side is pushing for that because they want to intimidate people so they won't oppose it.
First word [of my father] when I arrived [as a CEO] is, 'Son, i hope your first deal is a loser, otherwise, you'll think you're a lot smarter than you are.' But he had tremendous values, tremendous integrity, humility, work ethic and terrific thirst for knowledge.
The reason we tend to support Republicans is they're taking us toward the cliff at only 70 miles per hour miles an hour and the Democrats are taking us 100 miles an hour.
The trajectory of this country [USA] is not positive and particularly for the disadvantaged, as we see what's happening. The gains in productivity have dropped, the gains in income for the middle class and the least advantaged have slowed, at best.
When currying favor with Washington is seen as a much easier way to make money, businesses inevitably begin to compete with rivals in securing government largess, rather than in winning customers.
We needed to be uncompromising with our workforce, to expect 100 percent of our employees to comply 100 percent of the time with complex and ever-changing government mandates. Striving to comply with every law does not mean agreeing with every law. But, even when faced with laws we think are counter-productive, we must first comply. Only then, from a credible position, can we enter into a dialogue with regulatory agencies to demonstrate alternatives that are more beneficial. If these efforts fail, we can then join with others in using education and/or political efforts to change the law.
I feel a passion for what we're trying to do.I mean, why does somebody who's old who's a writer keep writing? Because that's who they are.
When everyone gets something for nothing, soon no one will have anything, because no one will be producing anything.
Joe's tremendous leadership throughout his six years as president and chief operating officer gives us confidence he will deliver more of the same at Georgia-Pacific. In Bill's 32 years with Koch, he has done an exemplary job of building our operations excellence capability. I am certain Joe and Bill, along with the outstanding Georgia-Pacific team, will continue Georgia-Pacific's proud tradition.
Joe's tremendous leadership throughout his six years as Koch Industries' president and chief operating officer gives us confidence he will deliver more of the same at Georgia-Pacific. Bill, during his 32 years with Koch, has done an exemplary job of building our operations excellence capability. I am certain Joe and Bill, along with the outstanding Georgia-Pacific team, will continue Georgia-Pacific's proud tradition.
The cuts are so deep for this small district that the board just wants to make ... sure they are making the right decisions.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of these people as they begin the hard work of rebuilding their lives.
By joining our group of privately held companies, Georgia-Pacific will be able to maintain a long-term focus on growth and a commitment to delivering value for all of its constituents.
I believe my business and non-profit investments are much more beneficial to societal well-being than sending more money to Washington.