Rob Cummings '90

Entrepreneur, Investor, and Advisor, J Cole Business Consulting, Inc.

I am a 1990 Virginia Tech grad with a degree in Management Science (now BIT) in the Pamplin College of Business. I started my career in consulting in Washington, D.C. but have lived in Charlotte, NC for 25 years. Both of my children are also Hokies (2022 and expected 2024). I continue to make it back to campus regularly for football and basketball games, as well as serving on the boards of the Apex Center for Entrepreneurs and the Pamplin Advisory Council.

The work project/initiative you're most excited about...

Building my own company. I had worked with several leadership teams building companies but never had it been 'my company'. Along with my business partner (a UNC grad), we built an incredible business that continues to flourish as part of a publicly traded company today.

How would you capture the essence of your work in a newspaper headline...

Applying my degree in BIT to every step in my career journey.

A key habit, practice, or skill that's worth the effort...

Showing up on time and being present.

Biggest misconception about my job or industry...

When you raise venture capital that you have made it or have become independently wealthy. Neither are true!

Top of my bucket list...

African Safari

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...

U2 - Where the Streets Have No Name

Something very few people know about me...

For better or worse, I am an open book.

The most courageous thing I've done...

Bungee jumped -- never again!

If I had a superpower, it would be...

To read minds.

Favorite way to end the day...

Cold beer

Where you've been in your career and where you are going...

I am unique because I have worked within my Virginia Tech field of study (BIT and Business) my whole career. My passion is software and I had the opportunity to build and grow a software-as-a-service company that I sold in 2018. I currently work in private equity, but am moving towards retirement at the end of 2023.

Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition...

Enter Sandman!

Best part of being a Virginia Tech alum...

The Hokie network. Hokies help Hokies and I know I can always call on an alum, student, or professor for anything.

Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student...

Don't worry about getting a 'real job' or internship your first few years in undergrad. Explore the world and have fun. There is plenty of time for work in the future.

Best advice I've gotten...

Be really good at the things that don't require advanced skills.

A cause I'm most passionate about...

Helping other students succeed. I love to interact with undergrads and hope to teach one day.

Last book I read...

From the Boardroom to the Classroom, by Stephen Skripak, former Virginia Tech professor

My favorite quote...

When all is said and done, 90% of being a dad is just showing up. - Jay from Modern Family