From Humble Roots to Trailblazing Entrepreneur, James P. Hynes ’69, ’01H Shares His Inspiring Career Journey at Iona University
Hynes Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series event draws a packed crowd
New Rochelle, N.Y. - Attracting a large audience eager to learn from his remarkable journey, Iona University recently hosted James P. Hynes ’69, ’01H for the Hynes Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series. A proud Iona alumnus, Hynes shared inspiring stories from his Bronx roots as the child of Irish immigrants to his dynamic career spanning telecommunications, finance and entrepreneurship.
“Deep down, like many of you, I wanted to be an entrepreneur,” said Hynes, addressing a packed crowd of students, faculty and staff in the Hynes Institue for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
His career began humbly working summers at Western Electric Company, “installing equipment and table wiring,” he said.
After graduating from Iona in 1969, Hynes joined AT&T, where he gained valuable experience that launched his career in the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.
“I eventually left AT&T entering the finance industry where I was a technology officer at a brokerage firm,” he recalled. “I learned a lot there but continued to have a desire to create something on my own.”
As telecommunications became more competitive, he was offered a senior position that deepened his expertise in the technology of banking. A key turning point in his journey came during his time at Fidelity Investments amid the 1987 market crash.
“They hired me to fix a problem,” he explained. “I learned Fidelity owned a small business investment division, Fidelity Capital, and I saw an opportunity.”
He recalls negotiating: “If I solved the issue, I wanted the chance to move to Boston and learn about entrepreneurship and small businesses.”
Six months later having resolved the problems, Hynes moved to Fidelity Capital where he assumed responsibility for a small wireless network investment they had made. He saw an opportunity to quickly grow the company and pursue a new approach to the business by building a number of significant regional networks. The tactic was successful in attracting a major player to merge with the business and forming an even larger entity that ultimately became NEXTEL. His career soared from there, illustrating the impact of bold ideas and seizing the right opportunities.
From his early days at AT&T to the groundbreaking paths he paved ahead, Hynes’ journey demonstrates how passion and innovation can open doors and create lasting change. This is a mission he continues to inspire through the Institute that bears his name.
Founded in 2017 with a record-breaking $15 million gift from Hynes and his wife, Anne Marie Hynes, the Hynes Institue has grown to become a dynamic hub of innovation, entrepreneurial leadership and community engagement. It is housed in a modern, 3,800-square-foot, co-working space above Spellman Hall in the heart of campus and serves over 1,300 students each year.
In addition to his philanthropic support, Hynes remains an active member of the campus community, returning often to offer mentorship and other support to students. He is also a longtime member and former chairman of the Iona Board of Trustees. Reflecting on his time as a student, Hynes shared fond memories from the Iona men’s rowing team.
“I had so much fun and learned about leadership and understanding people. It’s been 50 years since I graduated, and I never really left Iona. I stayed close because I genuinely care about this place – about the Brothers, the people and the mission.”
His advice to students? “Whatever you love, learn it. Learn it viscerally and instinctively because then you’ll be able to build and create.”
Following his talk, he joined the hosts of Ionavation, the student-led podcast, for an in-depth conversation about his journey. Listen to the full episode here.
For more information about the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, please visit here.
