Real estate developer. Experienced investor.
As a child, growing up in Detroit, MI, learned computers and
excelled in math at an early age. Aspired to be an architect and
worked part-time in the family real estate business. However, in
college, turned focus towards finance. After graduate school, went
to Wall Street as an investment banker. Initial career focus was
real estate finance, then became a hedge fund manager. Invested
primarily in public companies, across a wide range of industries,
especially technology. Also took selected equity positions in
private companies. After a successful career, left money management
to return to real estate.
Married with 5 children.
Active in various charitable organizations, such as Community
Learning Center,
Clearwater, FL (Chairman of the Board); New
York Rescue Workers Detoxification Fund,
New York, NY
(Former Chairman); Vail Film Festival,
Vail, CO (Advisory
Board); Clearwater Academy International,
Clearwater, FL
(Advisory Board).
Here is an interesting story about Ron Pollack's Grandpa Max. It
goes over how his Grandpa was very influential in his life. Also
how he directed Ron's interest into investing into technology. It
also mentions a little bit of investing advice his grandfather was
able to share with him.
Ron’s grandfather was an avid investor. Having fled to America from
Russia as a young child, he eventually became a successful
businessman and retired early. He then put all his money into
stocks. Max liked blue chips. He was proud to own pieces in some of
the largest companies in the world. And while he was a small
investor in those companies, they were a big part of his life.
“Boeing,” he would tell everyone he would meet. “You have to buy
Boeing. Commercial jet travel is the wave of the future, and you
can be a part of it. Buy Boeing.” He also owned US Steel, JP
Morgan, GM, etc. He was the classic long-term investor, and he did
very well. But Max also loved the market. Every day, he would check
the stock quotes in the newspaper; every week he would read
Barron’s; and he never missed an episode of “Wall Street Week with
Louis Rukheyser.” And every day, he would “go to the office,” that
is his local stockbroker, which was just a short drive from his
condo complex. Of all Max’s grandchildren, Ron was the only one who
had interest in finance and the markets; so when Ron would come to
Florida to visit, he would share in Max’s rituals. Ron can still
recall the nearby Shearson office. A bunch of old men would sit
there, watching the ticker tape up on the wall (there was no CNBC,
no Etrade, no Bloomberg, no Internet.) Max would walk in with his
grandson, and proudly announce “He goes to Yale” (or later “to
Harvard” or later “works at Goldman Sachs.) And then they’d all
talk for a while, while the men told stories about their lives,
their families and their favorite stocks. Invariably, one of the
old men would ask Ron for his favorite pick. “Boeing, of course,”
he’d reply. And his grandfather, somewhat bent with old age, would
suddenly stand up a bit taller, and with a twinkle in his eye, give
an approving smile.
Ron's Grandfather Max was always very proud of his grandson. He
shared a special bond with him as he was the only grandchild to
take interest in Grandpa Max's profession. They were able to share
investment and stock strategies. Max was never shy to boast about
his grandson's accomplishments. I am sure after checking out some
of his other profiles and articles you can easily see why.
Date Published: Feb 17, 2009 - 5:44 pm
Updates & News About My Family: Ron Pollack
We had an amazing art director for the Christmas play this year,
which we saw last night, that made the show look professional. I
was astounded that my kids performed so well. Rachel's confidence
and enthusiasm bubbled over. (She was so precious in that old
Dalmatian costume of Nathan's.). They love to sing, and they also
got to show some of their gymnastics skills, Levi and Lila also had
fun on stage.
Lately, Levi's really gotten into tennis. He quit gymnastics and
goes to tennis clinic almost every afternoon. He will do extremely
well. The guy is a great all-around athlete, and always loved
sports with a ball. (A mutual friend in the neighborhood who played
collegiate baseball, would always comment on our six-year-olds
amazing throwing arm, while they played catch, and when he was just
a little older he only ever had an interest in shooting hoops.) It
was golf this past summer. But we've been trying to steer him
towards tennis for years. It is something our family can do
together. (whereas my baseball and basketball days are long gone).
Not only is Levi now inspired, but Mimi and I are starting to play
more again too, because our city tennis center got a new pro, Eric,
who's really good.
Date Published: Jan 23, 2009 - 11:38 am