Pete Kadens is a serial entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist who has made a significant impact in various fields and communities. He is the founder and co-chairman of Hipe Chicago, a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to low-income students in Chicago. He is also the chairman of the Kadens Family Foundation, a charitable organization that aims to close the wealth and education gaps in the U.S. In addition, he is the owner of Poppy’s Social, a restaurant that supports local farmers and artisans. Pete Kadens has a remarkable career history that spans across different industries and sectors. He has been recognized for his achievements and contributions by various awards and honors. In this article, we will explore the wiki, biography, parents, net worth, and career of Pete Kadens.
Early Life and Education
Pete Kadens was born in Chicago, Illinois, but grew up in Toledo, Ohio. His parents’ names and professions are not publicly known, nor is it clear if he has any siblings. He attended Ottawa Hills High School, where he graduated in 1996. He then went to Bucknell University, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science in 2000. According to Bucknell University, Pete Kadens was a distinguished alumnus for citizenship in 2010 and was inducted into the Ottawa Hills High School Hall of Fame.
Career and Achievements
Pete Kadens started his career in finance and sales at UBS, a global financial services company. He then became the president of the National Association of Sales Outsourcers, a trade association for sales outsourcing companies. In 2008, he founded SoCore Energy, one of the largest commercial solar companies in the U.S. He led the company to expand its operations into 17 states and to be named one of Chicago’s most innovative businesses by Chicago Innovation Awards. In 2013, he sold SoCore Energy to Edison International, a Fortune 500 energy holding company.
In 2014, he co-founded and served as the CEO of Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a cannabis company that operates in 12 U.S. markets. He took the company public in 2018 and made it the second largest cannabis company in the world with a market capitalization of over $6 billion. He retired from GTI in September 2018 to focus on his philanthropic endeavors.
In 2019, he founded and became the co-chairman of Hipe Chicago, a non-profit organization that offers full-ride college scholarships to low-income students from Chicago’s most underserved high schools. The organization also provides mentoring, tutoring, and career guidance to the students and their families. Pete Kadens and his family foundation have committed to fund the education of 250 students and one of their parents through Hipe Chicago.
Pete Kadens is also the chairman of the Kadens Family Foundation, a charitable organization that he established with his wife, Amy Robbins Kadens. The foundation’s mission is to close the wealth and education gaps in the U.S. by supporting initiatives that empower individuals and communities. The foundation has supported various causes and organizations, such as StreetWise, one of the largest homeless aid organizations in Chicago, HOPE Toledo, an organization that provides college scholarships to students from Toledo, Ohio, and Headbands of Hope, a fashionwear business that donates hair accessories to pediatric patients who are ill and impoverished.
In March 2021, Pete Kadens became the owner of Poppy’s Social, a restaurant that features locally sourced food and drinks. The restaurant also supports local farmers and artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their products. Pete Kadens said that he wanted to create a social hub that celebrates the diversity and creativity of Chicago.
Pete Kadens is a 2019 Henry Crown Fellow of the Aspen Institute, a fellowship that selects only 20 individuals from around the world each year who have the capacity to create ventures that solve one of society’s intractable problems. He is also a member of several boards and committees in the non-profit and for-profit sectors.
Awards and Honors
Pete Kadens has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and contributions. Some of them are:
- Trailblazer Chicago Award by The Cara Program in 2019
- 20 People to Watch in the Cannabis Industry by Marijuana Business Daily in 2018
- Catalyst Man of the Year by Streetwise in 2015
- 40 Under 40 by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2012
Personal Life and Family
Pete Kadens is married to Amy Robbins Kadens, whom he met growing up in Toledo. They have three children together, whose names are not disclosed to the public. Pete Kadens and his family live in Chicago, Illinois. Pete Kadens’s religion is not confirmed, but he seems to be Jewish. His ethnicity is white and his nationality is American.
Net Worth and Income
Pete Kadens’s net worth is estimated to be more than $10 million, according to Kemi Filani News. His income sources include his investments, businesses, and philanthropic activities. He has not disclosed his salary or earnings to the public.
Social Media and Contact
Pete Kadens is active on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. He uses these platforms to share his insights, opinions, and updates on his projects and causes. He also has a website, where he posts his biography, portfolio, and contact information. His social media handles and website are:
- LinkedIn: pete-kadens
- Twitter: @petekadens
- Instagram: @petekadens
- Website: petekadens.com
Conclusion
Pete Kadens is a serial entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist who has made a significant impact in various fields and communities. He is the founder and co-chairman of Hipe Chicago, a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships to low-income students in Chicago. He is also the chairman of the Kadens Family Foundation, a charitable organization that aims to close the wealth and education gaps in the U.S. In addition, he is the owner of Poppy’s Social, a restaurant that supports local farmers and artisans. Pete Kadens has a remarkable career history that spans across different industries and sectors. He has been recognized for his achievements and contributions by various awards and honors. This article has explored the wiki, biography, parents, net worth, and career of Pete Kadens.