(January 21, 2021) Prospect Airport Services, Inc. is observing the 55th anniversary of the company’s founding on Thursday, January 21, 2021, exactly 55 years to the day Bob and Mary Strobel started the company.

Bob and Mary Strobel founded Prospect Airport Services, Inc. in 1966 as a maintenance services company serving O’Hare Airport in Chicago. Mr. Strobel cleaned restrooms and buffed floors alongside his family and small staff. The company quickly grew due to the quality and product, which now includes wheelchair service, cabin cleaning, ticketing and gate agents, cargo, maintenance, hospitality and other airport support services in more than 35 U.S. cities. The company employs over 10,500 people who operate on the company’s mission to make a positive difference on the travelling experience of the people they serve.

Prospect was founded on the principles of Bob Strobel: Extremely hard work, innovative thought, dedication to customer service and the desire to excel at every opportunity. The essence of these principles continues today according to Mike Strobel, Senior Vice-President and son of the founders. “My father had a tremendous work ethic. He taught us a lot about relationships with customers, honesty, integrity and how to work with employees”.

Prospect is led by the second generation, including President and CEO Vicki Strobel, daughter of Bob and Mary Strobel. “Prospect is a family business, not because it’s the Strobel family, but because the people who work with us are family” said Ms. Strobel,  “The things we do truly make a difference to the customers we serve. That’s always been our philosophy. Quality is important, safety is important and you never accept mediocrity”. Ms. Strobel has served as President and CEO since 1991. In addition to Vicki and Mike, the founders’ other children are part of the Prospect management team: King Strobel, Manager, Domestic Operations, O’Hare; Robert (Buddy) Strobel, Jr, GM of Nashville Operations; Nancy Jones, GM of International Operations, O’Hare; and Patti Bailey, Manager, Image Counts. Mary Strobel is still active and serves as an officer.

Prospect was the first company to employ a dispatch system that greatly improved speed and service. Today, the company is pioneering the use of PDAs, tablets and other proprietary technology to meet the needs of travelers and airlines.

Prospect Airport Services, Inc. is a privately held company and a certified Women’s Business Enterprise company, with headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Photo:  Prospect Senior Vice President Mike Strobel celebrates the company’s 55th anniversary with the team at Orlando International Airport.