A SOUTH SIDE LEGACY BUSINESS CONTINUES

Long-standing women-owned Cable Communications transitions from mother to daughter

A SOUTH SIDE LEGACY BUSINESS CONTINUES

Long-standing women-owned Cable Communications transitions from mother to daughter

Cable Communications, Inc. is a women-owned and operated business on Chicago's near south side. For nearly 40 years, this multi-generation-led company has weathered economic hardships, industry politics, and pressure from competing firms, and thrived. The company's ability to navigate the everyday challenges of running a small business is a testament to its unwavering spirit. Now, as it enters a new phase led by an elevated team, CCI is excited for what lies ahead.

In 1987, Sue Hurley, a determined woman of Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that would impact her community. That year, she founded Cable Communications, Inc., a small cable T.V. and communications contracting company. Despite the challenges of being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Sue's perseverance and dedication allowed her to grow the company from a two-employee operation into a thriving business with 35 employees and counting.

Sue's journey was not without its hurdles. She faced the operational and financial challenges of running a small, family-owned business in a competitive market. Maintaining the company's W.B.E. and D.B.E. statuses and resisting buyout offers from larger firms was always in their purview. However, her commitment to quality work and competitive pricing helped Cable Communications stand out, with a mantra of "be the job big or small, do it right, or not at all." Sue believed in the importance of education and training, ensuring that her employees had the opportunities to grow and succeed in their careers.

As the company expanded, it began to offer electrical construction and maintenance services, fire alarm systems, and telephone and fiber optic installation. Sue's leadership and vision were instrumental in this growth and she maintained a strong connection with her community by keeping the company in West Englewood, despite suggestions to move elsewhere. Their location is a core piece of their identity that she is unwilling to part with.

In 1991, Sue transitioned the company from communications to electrical work, embracing new technologies like fiber optics and the internet. She hired key personnel and dedicated herself to her employees with an open-door policy, fostering a positive work environment. This commitment to employee development resulted in nearly 0 employee turnover and generations of electricians working for the company, a solid investment in the company's workforce.

Sue's story is one of personal triumph. Despite not having a college education, she ensured that her daughters received the best education possible and became a strong mentor to them both. Her perseverance and drive were evident in every aspect of her life, from her early days working at ComEd to her lobbying efforts with organizations like F.W.C. and WCOE. She has seen and cultivated diversity, paving the way for females in the industry.

With a project list that includes the Daley Center, C.P.S., Midway and O'Hare airports, C.T.A., and ComEd, Cable Communications continues to thrive, now under the leadership of Sue's daughter, Melissa.

Starting at CCI as Sue's Executive Assistant, Melissa began her business education while pursuing her Master's in Education. As she began to manage more areas of the business, she soon realized that the heart of her career path was paved outside of the classroom through the mentorship of her mother and the interactions with the loyal staff that had become family. After receiving her degree in 2011, Melissa instead continued her advancement within CCI to her natural and well-deserved seat at the helm with her mother.

With over 24 years of experience and a strong commitment to advancing the company's culture and values, Melissa is well-equipped to lead the company into a bright future. She is determined to maintain the company's core values while adapting to modern business practices, ensuring that the company remains true to its roots while embracing new opportunities that align with its mission.

"I come into this knowing I've had the best mentors in the business," said Melissa Hurley. "I have all of these professionals looking to me to lead them, and I am stepping into this with confidence, know-how, and the best hand-picked support team anyone could ask for. I am ready. I am excited. I am honored."


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