Before launching his career, Cashman attended UC, where his affinity for math and physics led him to pursue an engineering degree. He was drawn to UC for the renowned cooperative education (co-op) program, which allowed him to gain valuable work experience while earning tuition money. A skilled soccer player, Cashman was awarded scholarship support and the opportunity to play on UC’s new men’s soccer team, where he was team captain for three years. While a student, he also nurtured his love of music, taking elective courses at UC’s College Conservatory of Music.
Cashman is a Bearcat to his core. He has three degrees from UC, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1976 and his master’s in 1979. He earned his MBA in 1982.
As a UC engineering student, Cashman worked as a co-op employee for the Structural Dynamics Research Corporation, a computer-aided engineering company that has ties to UC faculty. Once he graduated, he joined the startup full-time as one of the early employees and was quickly thrown into working on advanced projects like vibration analysis for automotive manufacturers. Learning on the job, he thrived in a fast-paced, innovative environment that would lay the groundwork for his career in engineering simulation and technology.
“It was one of the first of the high-tech startups and it was a great learning experience that served as an upward spiral for me,” Cashman said. “The experience I gained there influenced the rest of my life, even today.”
While at the company, Cashman held management positions in the areas of international sales, major accounts and market development, and product management. His efforts contributed to making the Structural Dynamics Research Corporation one of the premier CAD software suppliers and the company grew to more than $400 million in revenues during his tenure.
Cashman went on to become a founder of Metaphase Technology, which became the leader in product data management. At PAR Technology Corporation, Cashman was vice president for international operations, marketing, and software development.