Early Life
Craig McCaw was born on August 11, 1949, in Centralia, Washington. He is the second of four sons. His father, J. Elroy McCaw, was a broadcasting magnate, which inspired Craig to pursue a career in communications. As a child, he struggled with dyslexia but overcame it, demonstrating a strong work ethic. He attended the Lakeside School and later Stanford University, where he earned a degree in history in 1973.
Rise to Success
McCaw's career began in the cable television industry, taking over his family's business. He expanded the cable company, McCaw Cablevision, before recognizing the potential of cellular technology. McCaw aggressively expanded McCaw Cellular Communications by acquiring cellular licenses and rights from other winners, borrowing against and selling shares in the cable operation to finance cellular growth. In 1994, he sold McCaw Cellular to AT&T for $11.5 billion.
Key Business Strategies
McCaw's success was built on a combination of strategic acquisitions, aggressive expansion, and an early understanding of the potential of the wireless market. He focused on acquiring undervalued cellular rights and building a nationwide network. McCaw's ability to secure funding and make timely investments was crucial to his growth.
Philanthropy
Craig McCaw is involved in several philanthropic endeavors, primarily through the COM Family Foundation (formerly the Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation), which supports a variety of educational, environmental, and international economic development projects. He was a founding donor and underwriter of the Free Willy Foundation.
