Craig McCaw

$2.85 B

Ranked #1439 in World

About Craig McCaw

Craig McCaw, the venerated American entrepreneur and cellular industry forerunner, was born on August 11, 1949, in Seattle. Son of media tycoon J. Elroy McCaw, Craig transformed a modest inherited cable operation into McCaw Cablevision, a top US provider, before pioneering the cellular realm in the 1980s. His business acumen led to the $11.5 billion sale of McCaw Cellular to AT&T, the successful turnaround of Nextel, and the launch of the innovative Clearwire Corporation. A respected political supporter and philanthropist, McCaw's legacy includes a foray into wireless broadband development and notable car collection enthusiasm.

Born

August 11, 1949 in Centralia, Washington, U.S.

Age

76 years

Source Of Wealth

Telecom

Industries

Telecom

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Hunts Point, Washington

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Stanford University

Spouse

Wendy Petrak (1974-1997), Susan Rasinski (1998-2019)

Children

Craig McCaw was born on August 11, 1949, in Seattle, Washington. His father, Marion, was a broadcasting magnate, and his mother, J. Elroy McCaw, was a homemaker. Craig attended Lakeside School, where he excelled in academics and sports. He later went on to attend Stanford University, where he studied engineering.

Craig McCaw: Family

Craig McCaw's parents, Marion and J. Elroy McCaw, were both influential figures in his life. His father's success in the broadcasting industry inspired Craig to pursue a career in communications. His mother was a supportive and loving presence throughout his life.

Craig McCaw: Career Highlights

Craig McCaw's career in the communications industry was marked by several significant achievements. He started his career in the cable television industry, working for his father's company. After inheriting a small cable company in Centralia, Washington, he built McCaw Cablevision into the 20th largest cable carrier in the United States.

In the early 1980s, McCaw entered the cellular telephone industry by winning cellular licenses and acquiring rights from other lottery winners. He used aggressive expansion strategies, borrowing against and selling shares in his cable operation to finance cellular growth. In 1986, he acquired MCI's cellular wing and sold the cable company to Cooke Cablevision.

McCaw's most notable achievement came in 1994 when he sold McCaw Cellular to AT&T Corporation for a staggering $11.5 billion. This transaction made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the United States.

Craig McCaw: Companies

Throughout his career, Craig McCaw was involved in several companies. He founded McCaw Cablevision, which he later sold to Cooke Cablevision. He also acquired MCI's cellular wing and founded McCaw Cellular, which was eventually sold to AT&T Corporation.

In addition, McCaw was involved in the founding of several other companies, including NEXTLINK Communications, Teledesic, New ICO, and Clearwire Corporation. These companies focused on various aspects of the communications industry, including wireless broadband Internet service and satellite communications.

Craig McCaw: Major Achievements

Craig McCaw's major achievements include building McCaw Cablevision into the 20th largest cable carrier in the United States, entering the cellular telephone industry and acquiring MCI's cellular wing, and selling McCaw Cellular to AT&T Corporation for $11.5 billion.

He also played a significant role in the development of the wireless industry, helping to grow Nextel into a major competitor and launching the first 4G mobile WiMAX network in Portland, Oregon.

Craig McCaw: Awards & Achievements

Craig McCaw received several awards and honors throughout his career.

These include the Golden Plate Award, induction into the Wireless History Foundation's Hall of Fame, and recognition as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time magazine.

Craig McCaw: Personal Life & Legacy

Craig McCaw is married to Susan McCaw, and they have three children together. He is known for his passion for cars and once owned a collection of 400 cars with his brother. McCaw is also involved in philanthropic efforts through the Free Willy Foundation and the Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation.

Craig McCaw's legacy is one of innovation and entrepreneurship in the communications industry. He is remembered as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in the development of the cellular telephone industry and the advancement of wireless technology.

Craig McCaw: Trivia

Here are some interesting trivia about Craig McCaw:

He was a member of the Lakeside School swim team and was known for his diving skills.
McCaw was a talented musician and played the guitar in a band during his college years.
He is an avid skier and enjoys spending time outdoors.
McCaw is a licensed pilot and has flown his own plane on several occasions.
He is a strong advocate for environmental conservation and has supported various environmental organizations.

Wealth History

Timeline

August 11, 1949

Craig McCaw was born in Seattle, Washington.

Early 1980s

Craig McCaw entered the cellular telephone industry by winning cellular licenses and acquiring rights from other lottery winners.

1986

Craig McCaw acquired MCI's cellular wing.

1994

Craig McCaw sold McCaw Cellular to AT&T Corporation for $11.5 billion.

2004

Craig McCaw founded Clearwire Corporation, a provider of wireless broadband Internet service.

2009

Clearwire launched the first 4G mobile WiMAX network in Portland, Oregon.

Craig McCaw : FAQs

What is Craig McCaw's current net worth?

Craig McCaw's current net worth is $2.85 billion.

What is Craig McCaw's current global rank among billionaires?

Craig McCaw holds the 1439th position globally among billionaires.

What is Craig McCaw's current ranking within the United States?

Craig McCaw holds the 515th position in United States.

What was the change in Craig McCaw's net worth compared to the previous year?

Craig McCaw's net worth increased by 777.17 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.07 billion dollars.

What are Craig McCaw's main sources of wealth?

Craig McCaw's main source of income comes from Telecom.

In which industry does Craig McCaw primarily operate?

Craig McCaw is primarily involved in the Telecom industry.

What is Craig McCaw educational background?

Craig McCaw holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Stanford University.

How old is Craig McCaw?

Craig McCaw is 76 years old.

How many children does Craig McCaw have?

Craig McCaw has 3 children.

Who is Craig McCaw and why is he significant in the cellular phone industry?

Craig McCaw is an American businessman recognized as a pioneer in the cellular phone industry. He played a pivotal role in expanding the cellular market by acquiring MCI's cellular operations and exponential growth through McCaw Cellular, which he later sold to AT&T Corporation for $11.5 billion. His innovative strategies and expansion techniques significantly shaped the telecommunication landscape.

What was Craig McCaw's early career and his business’s evolution in telecommunications?

Craig McCaw began his career in the cable television industry, working for his father’s company. After inheriting a small cable operation, he grew McCaw Cablevision to a major player in the US. Transitioning into the cellular phone sector in the early 1980s, McCaw used bold strategies to finance his company's growth and later ventured into Nextel and Clearwire Corporation, impacting the telecommunications field.

How did Craig McCaw contribute to the advancement of wireless technology?

Craig McCaw contributed significantly to wireless technology by first building McCaw Cellular into a giant in the industry, and then assuming control over Nextel to transform it into a competitive wireless carrier. He also founded Clearwire Corporation, which merged with Sprint and launched the first 4G mobile WiMAX network, proving his impact on wireless communications technology.

What are some of Craig McCaw's philanthropic efforts and personal interests?

Craig McCaw is known for his philanthropic activities, such as his involvement with the Free Willy Foundation and the Craig and Susan McCaw Foundation, focusing on environmental and educational causes. Additionally, he has a passion for car collecting, having once possessed an extensive collection of 400 cars with his brother.

What recognitions has Craig McCaw received for his contributions to telecommunications?

Craig McCaw has been honored with several awards, including the Golden Plate Award for his achievements in telecommunications. He was also inducted into the Wireless History Foundation's Hall of Fame, a testament to his influence and pioneering efforts in the industry.