A lan Gerry is a pioneering American entrepreneur in the cable television industry. A high school dropout and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Gerry started his career in the 1950s by opening a small television repair business in his hometown of Liberty, New York. Recognizing the potential of cable television to deliver clear signals to rural communities, he bootstrapped his way into the industry, building his first cable system in 1956 by stringing cables on trees and utility poles.

This modest beginning was the foundation of Cablevision Industries, which Gerry grew into one of the largest cable companies in the United States through decades of acquisitions and system upgrades. He built his empire with a relentless focus on customer service and operational efficiency. In 1996, he made a life-changing deal, selling the company to Time Warner for a reported $2.7 billion. A dedicated philanthropist, Gerry has since focused on revitalizing his native Catskills region. His most famous project is the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a performing arts venue and museum built on the site of the original 1969 Woodstock festival.