SMV7: Hugh Cathey is a serial entrepreneur with multiple IPOs who gives back to the community and invests in educating other entrepreneurs. Artwork

SmartMoney Ventures Podcast

The SmartMoney Ventures Podcast highlights leaders in the global ecosystem of venture capital, entrepreneurship and innovation across all industries. We give you access to insights from top investors and innovators that most people can’t access, and the only reason they take my calls is because I’ve been in the trenches with them for over 25 years.

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SmartMoney Ventures Podcast

SMV7: Hugh Cathey is a serial entrepreneur with multiple IPOs who gives back to the community and invests in educating other entrepreneurs.

December 07, 2023 • Jeff (J.D.) Davids • Season 1 • Episode 7

In this episode, you will learn:

How Hugh built and sold his first company at 25 years old
Why Hugh provides equity compensation to all team members.
Why continuing education is a lifelong pursuit for CEOs.
The inside scoop on 2 IPOs and working with Craig McCaw.
Why the Midwest is a great place to start a business.

Episode Summary:
This episode of the SmartMoney Ventures Podcast features Hugh Cathey who is an award winning dealmaker and experienced CEO with 2 successful IPOs completed and a passion for building strong communities.

Hugh is a lifelong entrepreneur who built and sold his first company at 25 years old. Hugh specializes in generating rapid revenue growth, and he currently serves as CEO of ChromoCare and as a Principal at Columbus Partners. He previously served as CEO of Digital Networks, where he led a successful IPO and eventually sold the business to Star Telecom. He also served as President of XO Communications, a telecommunications startup with initial funding of $1 Billion from Craig McCaw, founder of McCaw Cellular.

Hugh served as President of Qwest Communications International broadband division. This subsidiary grew to over $200 Million in annual revenue within the first two years of operations. With over 800 employees and an annual budget of over $300 Million, it was one of the fastest growing divisions of Qwest Communications.

Hugh believes that continuing education is a lifelong pursuit for CEOs, and he walks the walk by mentoring & coaching CEOs regularly. He also believes that all employees should share in equity compensation in the form of stock options.

Hugh’s philanthropic pursuits are as impressive as his business acumen. Hugh has served on the Board of Directors of LifeCare Alliance for over 26 years and is past Chairman, along with serving as Chairman of the Board of 1st Responders Bridge as well.

Companies, people & topics mentioned in this episode:

Companies Hugh has worked at:
Chromocare
Columbus Partners
HealthSpot
Digital Networks (acquired by Star Telecom)
XO Communications
Qwest Communications

Companies/Institutions where Hugh serves or served as a Board Member :
ZNode (Board Chair)
Pinnacle Data Systems
TC Logic
LifeCare Alliance / Meals on Wheels
1st Responders Bridge

Other companies/institutions/people mentioned in this episode:
AT&T
MCI
Vancouver Stock Exchange
Craig McCaw (McCaw Cellular)
Ayn Rand, author of Atlas Shrugged
Marc Andreessen - Andreessen Horowitz
Ohio Semiconductor
BIll Gross
Idealab
Ted
Nottingham Spurk
Case Western University
James Bond 007
The E-Myth by Michael Gerber
Coach Woody Hayes
Coach Jim Tressel