Software company founder Michael M. Hayes ’67 has been named the 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year by Siena College.
The award is presented annually to a Siena graduate who has excelled as an entrepreneur, positively impacted his or her community, and is driven by the entrepreneurial spirit and values of Siena.
Hayes accepted his award at a ceremony on April 24 at the College’s Sarazen Student Union.
“The entire Siena College community congratulates Michael Hayes on this achievement,” said Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph. D., president of Siena. “His business achievements are impressive, as is his devotion to his family and community.”
“Michael Hayes is an excellent role model – both personally and professionally – for Siena’s current students and alumni,” said Matthew J. Cusack ‘89, executive director of Siena’s Stack Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “The company he has built impacts the employees, human resources and operations of Fortune 500 companies across the country.”
Hayes founded the MM Hayes Co., Inc. in 1971, and currently serves as its president and chief executive officer. Headquartered in the Sage Mansion in Menands, N.Y. with a satellite office in Bellevue, Wash., MM Hayes employs more than 50 software engineers and application consultants.
The company develops and markets software solutions for workforce management. The applications include Workforce Timekeeper for tracking time and attendance, and Quickcharge, an employee debit solution. Their software and hardware provide employee convenience and increase business efficiencies.
During its early years, MM Hayes focused primarily on clients in upstate New York and new England as the area’s exclusive distributor for Kronos. As MM Hayes developed its own products, they expanded nationally and globally.
The company’s software helps organizations improve efficiency and boost employee satisfaction by creating a “one-badge solution,” where employees can use their ID badges for multiple applications, including identification, access, time and attendance and cashless payment in cafeterias and company stores.
MM Hayes has a presence in nearly all 50 states, and their clients include Boeing, the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic.
Hayes encouraged the students attending the award presentation to "follow your dreams. Never, never give up. All things are possible with the help of God."
Hayes’ sons Michael, David and John – all of whom were present at the event - work with their father at the company.
He served for nine years on Siena’s Board of Associate Trustees (now the Board of Advisors) and has endowed a scholarship at Siena in memory of his parents. He has also established scholarships at Boston College in honor of his sons, and at Fordham University in memory of his father, Michael C. Hayes.
Hayes resides in Loudonville, N.Y. with his wife, Kate.
