Background
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1924, Cudahy is the son of John Cudahy, United States ambassador to Ireland, Poland and Belgium.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1924, Cudahy is the son of John Cudahy, United States ambassador to Ireland, Poland and Belgium.
On Thursday, August 2, 2007, WTMJ-Department of Administration and Management in Milwaukee reported that Michael Cudahy was one of several private investors considering purchasing Midwest Airlines. Along with Warren Cozzens, he founded in 1965 and served as chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The company went public in 1991. After starting with only $15,000 in capital, the company went on to have over $350 million annually in sales.
His company put together the nation"s first central electrocardiographic system at Northwestern University Medical School.
This machine has since become standard in hospitals throughout the United States. The company was also noted for having one of the first on-site day care centers in the nation.
In 1982, he and Warren bought the failing Patient Monitoring Business Unit from General Electric (then known as General Electric Medical Systems Division) and combined it with the existing business (primarily diagnostic equipment). In 1998, he sold (by then known as Marquette Medical Systems) to General Electric. The company exists today as part of the Clinical Systems division of General Electric Healthcare, a subsidiary of the American conglomerate.
After stepping aside at his company, Cudahy focused his energies on philanthropy and serving on the boards of other companies.
In 1999, according to United States. Securities and Exchange Commission (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings, he invested $10 million in TomoTherapy a Madison, Wisconsin bio-technology start-up. lieutenant went public on May 9, 2007 with the stock symbol TOMO. Mr Cudahy"s 10% interest is valued at more than $100 million at present prices (September 2007). In 2002 he told the story of the founding of in the book Joyworks ().
The following institutions have been the recipients of gifts by Michael J. Cudahy:
Boys and Girls Club
John C. Cudahy Young Men’s Christian Association
Michael J. Cudahy Foundation – Foundation through which Cudahy does most of his philanthropy.
Discovery World
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Johns Hopkins University – sponsors the Michael Cudahy professorship
Marquette University
Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Ballet
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Pabst Theater – Cudahy bought the beleaguered landmark theatre in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin for $1, keeping it open and afloat. He had previously donated over $9 million to the theatre.
Riverside Theater – Cudahy signed a lease to run entertainment programs in the historic Riverside Theater in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pier Wisconsin – Cudahy is spearheading this ambitious project for Milwaukee"s lakefront, which some argue would steal the limelight from the nearby Milwaukee Art Museum (also a recipient of Cudahy"s funds).
United Community Center
American Heart Association – Supporter of the Milwaukee Heart Balliol
