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Phil Cable ’80 reflects on a career that is less of a straight line and more of an arc defined by varied entrepreneurial successes and a deep commitment to civic engagement. A native of Canton, Ohio, Cable attended ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ as a seven-day dorm student, an experience he credits with preparing him for both college and the complexities of life. "They focused on the whole person and not just the academics," Cable notes, recalling the formative influence of the Brothers, teachers and dorm proctors.

 

One of the most significant figures during his time at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ was his English teacher, Dr. Joy Gray, whom he describes as a "phenomenal teacher" and a "wonderful human". Her influence was so profound that Cable chose to become an English literature major at Kenyon College. Beyond the classroom, Cable sharpened his leadership skills through the International Student Leadership Institute (ISLI), a program that proved invaluable when he later became a fraternity president and a business leader.

 

Cable’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited early on ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s campus. As a freshman class officer, he helped organize a successful dance featuring a significant band, despite being told the project was too ambitious for the group. The event was a major success, but its lasting impact was personal: "That success gave me the courage to try other things in life," Cable recalls.

 

After college, Cable moved to Chicago to rehab houses before pivoting to the hospitality industry by opening a popular 12,000-square-foot bar and entertainment venue in Wrigleyville. Following the sale of that business, he launched a direct mail catalog for children’s science products, before later selling it, as well. After earning an MBA from DePaul University, he eventually purchased American Science and Surplus, the company to whom he sold his previous business, which he led for 12 successful years.

 

In recent years, Cable has shifted his focus toward public educational and cultural enrichment. After earning a certificate in nonprofit management from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, he joined several boards, including the Adler Planetarium, TimeLine Theater, and the Chicago Council on Science and Technology. He is particularly passionate about science literacy, which he believes is essential for a healthy citizenry. "If you have some level of science literacy, you can be a better consumer... a better voter... [and] understand the news," he explains.

 

Despite his professional and civic commitments, Cable remains grounded in his personal life. He enjoys playing platform tennis and golf, and spends time "tromping around in the woods" at his property in southwest Wisconsin with his wife and two adult children. He also maintains strong ties to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, staying in close contact with his best friend, Brad Quay ’80, and enjoying reunions with his classmates. Looking back, Cable sees his path as a continuation of the values instilled in him at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½: a blend of leadership, academic curiosity and a serious commitment to community service.