2011-04-14

Bill Pollock: Drake's founder & chairman

Drake Editorial Team

Bill Pollock was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and is the youngest of 9 children. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of Manitoba at the age of 16, and received his Bachelor of Commerce at the age of 20. During his third year of studies, Bill was the class president. Bill got a taste for business during school, when he started a lawn mowing company that grew to 22 employees by the time he sold it upon finishing his degree. His entrepreneurial experience at University gave him the inspiration to co-found Drake International in 1951. Drake started as a productivity improvement outsourcing company based out of Winnipeg. After successfully securing the Hudson’s Bay Company as Drake’s first client, Bill’s sights were set on expanding the business. In 1953, Drake opened up in Toronto, followed by all major cities across Canada. In the 1960’s, Drake expanded to the USA, UK, and Australia, and is now in 9 countries on 5 continents, operating as a human capital performance improvement company. Bill is an avid collector of art, LeCorbusier being his favourite, enjoys music, and has a keen interest in world politics. Bill was also one of the youngest members of the Young President’s Organization, joining the group at the age of 26 when there were only 325 members. He was personally responsible for bringing YPO to Europe and Australia, thus creating a global organization for entrepreneurs like himself.