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The reasons we do things is important to know. Not just for ourselves, but for those we work with/for. They deserve to know what motivates us, and our goals.
For me, getting into RE was a mix of family and outside influences...here's a look at the family side
For me, getting into RE was a mix of family and outside influences...here's a look at the family side
In the mid 1910s, my great grandpa started a milk route in Brookfield, IL, at the request of their neighbors -- they were farmers, so it's not like this was a random ask. Polivka Brothers' Dairy was born.
The business took off in the 20's, and turned into Willow Farm Dairy
The business took off in the 20's, and turned into Willow Farm Dairy
named for the willow trees lining the driveway of the farm.
Business continued to do well as they expanded into other products and continued to adapt with the times -- better transport and storage, new sealing methods to keep longer, etc.
Business continued to do well as they expanded into other products and continued to adapt with the times -- better transport and storage, new sealing methods to keep longer, etc.
In 1957, my grandpa and namesake Jack William Polivka, took over the business after his father passed. In the 60s, it was the 8th largest dairy in the Chicagoland area.
1961 was the birth of Willow Farm Willie, the company's first logo. (No logo for 40-50 years? Crazy!)
1961 was the birth of Willow Farm Willie, the company's first logo. (No logo for 40-50 years? Crazy!)
The business grew to it's largest size yet in the late 60's, investing in automated machines.
Sadly, supermarket coolers were invented around this time, all but killing the dairy delivery industry.
Willow Farm Dairy filed for bankruptcy in 1969.
Sadly, supermarket coolers were invented around this time, all but killing the dairy delivery industry.
Willow Farm Dairy filed for bankruptcy in 1969.
Grandpa Jack wasn't going to let that stop him; he had 6 young kids to take care of!
He decided to rent out the land and buildings as warehousing.
Companies stored their equipment in the old barn, and paid for truck parking/storage on the land.
He decided to rent out the land and buildings as warehousing.
Companies stored their equipment in the old barn, and paid for truck parking/storage on the land.
While he had other ventures, this is the one that has been passed on. He generously contributed money from these properties to each of his 17 grandkids' college funds.
The extra income has also allowed my parents to give us some incredible experiences.
The extra income has also allowed my parents to give us some incredible experiences.
After seeing the benefits of owning RE long-term, I decided it's something I want to do for my future generations.
While he passed in 2011, I've heard countless stories about him, and how he cared more for his community and relationships than he did the bottom-line.
While he passed in 2011, I've heard countless stories about him, and how he cared more for his community and relationships than he did the bottom-line.
He knew good business was more than money, and his example is one I'm doing my best to follow.
I hope in the future I'm able to help people achieve their goals, just as many of you are helping me achieve mine.
I hope in the future I'm able to help people achieve their goals, just as many of you are helping me achieve mine.
And that concludes my very first Twitter thread...how'd I do??
