Bill R. Poland

Biography

“I was fortunate to be a little restless and highly curious early on as an adult. I think I became an entrepreneur instinctively because I possessed a willingness to take intelligent risk. Seeking out niches that potential competitors do not see gives true enjoyment. Great satisfaction has come from creating an atmosphere of trust that allows those around me to fully engage their minds for the common good. Self-reliance has forged me into someone hopefully who has humility, accountability, and generosity. Living in America has allowed me to live the words that Thomas Jefferson wrote — "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness".”

Bill Richard Poland was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1967. During his years there, he played an active role in the student body; serving as the President of the senior class of 1967, President of Sigma Nu, and active in Rambling Wreck Club.

Bill received his MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and prior to forming Bay West Group he worked at the following companies:

• Humble Oil (now Exxon)
• Rouse Company
• Coldwell Banker
• Cabot, Cabot and Forbes

In 1979, Mr. Poland started his own company Bay West Group initially with an intended focus on the adaptive reuse of older brick buildings with character. Over the years the company has been involved in a broad mix of projects ranging from brick and timber rehabs to developing speculative industrial parks to institutional grade ground up multifamily development.

Bay West Group has grown over the years to be the parent company of three subsidiaries:

Bay West Development Services headed by Tim Treadway.
www.sfdesigncenter.com
Bay West Development Company headed by Sean Murphy and Matt Gingery
www.BayWestDevelopment.com