In Their Words: Colleagues and Family Celebrate Joe Shoen’s 50 Years at U-Haul

Aug 4, 2026

U-Haul celebrated 50 years of leadership and contributions to the Company from its admired chairman and CEO, Joe Shoen, on July 31 in Phoenix. Here’s some of what the people who know him best had to say.

J.T. Taylor, President of U-Haul International

“Our business is not where you throw in your hat and make money, but where you throw in your heart and work your butt off to create value for people. If there’s anyone that viscerally epitomizes what that meant, it is Joe Shoen.”

“There is simply no parallel to his work ethic, and no stopping this man in the pursuit of helping provide help and certainty to each and every customer we serve.”

Jessica Lopez, U-Haul Chief of Staff

“Even today, when mass layoffs seem to become commonplace, your focus remains the same. You look for ways to increase revenue and cut expenses, not people.”

“Fifty years of leadership, 50 years of service, 50 years of caring. Joe, there will never be another one like you. You are one of one.”

Ron Frank, Dean of U-Haul University

“Repetition is the mother of retention. It works. Do the programs. Don’t think that you’re smarter than the programs.”

Rep. Greg Stanton, U.S. House of Representatives (AZ-04)

“The one thing I admire about this guy is his commitment, his ethics, and his commitment to community — no matter what the company is doing financially.”

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