Rob Cummings ‘90
Rob Cummings ’90
Semi-Retired Entrepreneur, Investor, Adjunct Professor, and Advisor to Startups
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 May 2025). 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.
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 most recently worked in private equity, and retired in 2023. My second act is as an Adjust Professor.
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.
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.
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!
Words of encouragement to a current Virginia Tech student ...
Don't worry about getting an internship your first few years in undergrad. Explore the world and have fun. There is plenty of time for work in the future.
Top of my bucket list ...
African safari.
Best piece of advice I’ve gotten ...
Be really good at the things that don't require advanced skills.
My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song ...
U2 — Where the Streets Have No Name.
A cause I’m most passionate about ...
Helping other students succeed. I love to interact with undergrads and hope to teach one day.
Something very few people know about me ...
For better or worse, I am an open book.
Last book I read ...
From the Boardroom to the Classroom, by Stephen Skripak, former Virginia Tech professor.
The most courageous thing I’ve done ...
Bungee jumped — never again!
My favorite quote...
“When all is said and done, 90% of being a dad is just showing up.” — Jay from Modern Family
If I had a superpower, it would be ...
To read minds.
Favorite way to end the day ...
Cold beear.