Richard Johnson (entrepreneur)

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A lifelong entrepreneur, Richard Johnson started his first company in 1988. As one of the first Silicon Alley pioneers, he started Hotjobs.com in 1996. In 1999, Johnson took a huge risk by mortgaging his house and all of his assets to run a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl. The gamble paid off, as HotJobs became the sixth-most recognized Internet brand in the world, went public and raised over $165 million before the year was over.

HotJob's revenue growth was equally astounding. By 1998, the company produced $4 million; in 1999, $20 million; and by 2000, more than $100 million. By 2001, the company was one of the few profitable dot-com businesses; and by years end, it was acquired by Yahoo! for nearly a half billion dollars. ($468 million)

During his tenure as CEO of HotJobs, Johnson made dozens of television appearances and was frequently quoted in print media. He has appeared on the major network morning and evening news programs and is a featured keynote speaker at several business conferences.

After stepping down as CEO in 2001, Johnson has been active on several non-profit boards focusing on those with community and conservation missions. He and his family currently reside in Wilmington, NC.