Early Life
Robert Hale Jr. was born in 1966 in Northampton, Massachusetts. His father was an entrepreneur, which inspired Hale to pursue a career in business. He attended Connecticut College, where he served as class president and earned a degree in history.
Rise to Success
Hale began his career in sales at MCI after graduating college. He quickly excelled, finding his calling in the competitive environment. In 1990, he founded Network Plus, a telecom service aggregator, with an investment from his parents. The company grew rapidly, reaching a $150 million business, but eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2002. Undeterred, Hale founded Granite Telecommunications shortly after, which has since grown into a major telecommunications provider. Granite provides voice, data, and other communications services to businesses and governmental agencies in the U.S. and Canada. Granite generated over $1.7 billion in sales in 2024. Hale also co-owns FoxRock Properties, a real estate development firm.
Key Business Strategies
Hale's success with Granite Telecommunications can be attributed to his focus on customer service and relationship-building in a traditionally transactional industry. He has cultivated a company culture that values community and employee engagement. He also emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements. Granite has no long-term debt.
Philanthropy
Robert Hale Jr. is a committed philanthropist. He and his wife have donated over $400 million to cancer research, educational institutions, and other charitable causes. He has supported organizations such as Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. In 2022, Granite Telecommunications was recognized as Massachusetts's most charitable company. Hale has also given money directly to graduating students, with the requirement they pass some along to those in need.
