Overview
Don Hughey is an internet entrepreneur, philanthropist and author. Located in the Austin area of Texas, Don is the founder and CEO of several successful businesses. As a philanthropist, Mr. Hughey helped to build several schools for the poor in remote areas of India. Don traveled internationally as part of a team to bring hope and resources to people in need. Perhaps the most memorable quote from Don Hughey is the one he articulated to leaders after the start of the worldwide financial crises in 2008, “The intense grief produced by the death of a dream is powerful and life changing. Our challenge is to allow time to grieve, while looking towards the future with hope.”
Early Business Learning
Mr. Hughey relates experiences from one of his first businesses. "In the 1980s, I noticed that young women were spending money on expensive bathing suits but were forced to lay on cheap Donald Duck type beach towels. There weren't many options. I thought that large, thick, designer beach towels would be a big seller." Don continues, "There was considerable interest in the designer approach. While the towels we created sold well, cost flow issues quickly overwhelmed me. I should have spent a lot more time in planning and financing before launching that endeavor. I learned many valuable lessons from that doomed experience."
Exciting Periods in Business
In the midst of the dot-com bubble and severe stock declines, Don Hughey started one of his most successful businesses. "Shortly after the year 2000, I started an internet retail sunglass business focused on low debt and manufacturer good will. The sites offered the largest selection of styles and colors. We were able to do this by implementing just-in-time inventory principles. By using the manufacturer's warehouses as our own inventory, we were able to keep costs extremely low. As a result, we had a consistent 50% growth rate. It was a very exciting time."
Favorite Leaders
Don’s favorite historical leader is Marcus Aurelius. Marcus was an emperor of Rome from 161 to 180 AD. Don says that Marcus Aurelius had many faults but if “absolute power corrupts absolutely”, Emperor Aurelius found a way to stay humble while wielding unthinkable power. Marcus Aurelius hired an assistant to follow him around and whisper in his ear every day, “You’re just a man, you’re just a man.”
Most Significant Business Achievement
Though Don Hughey developed many innovative programs to help businesses, he made a few comments on his favorite, “I’m most proud of the creation of a system that prevents doctors from making mistakes when prescribing drugs. I refused to listen to medical experts that said it was impossible. The program compares a new prescription against patient allergies and all other patient medications. If the program finds any harmful interactions, it warns the doctor.” Don continues to share his excitement, “It’s the ability to save lives that is most gratifying. The program has the potential to save many lives worldwide from medical mistakes.”
Lessons Learned
Reflecting upon Lessons Learned, Mr. Hughey offered some insights on his journey. “When I was young, I thought I could do anything. Then, circumstances came into my life that were completely beyond my ability to anticipate or control. Understanding my limitations, far from being confining, created a sense of freedom, humility and perhaps a little wisdom. Washington Irving once wrote, ‘There is sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and unspeakable love.’ Don continues, "If that is true, let the tears flow freely. Let the footsteps of my life be washed in an unending sea of overwhelming, transcendent and unspeakable love.”
Writings
Don Hughey is the author of “Small Group Leadership” and numerous other industry specific works related to streamlining and simplifying business operations.
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