INDUSTRIALIST…CITIZEN… HUMANITARIAN

Rarely is there an indication at birth that any one man will step from the crowd and during the span of life allotted him, stand clearly etched as an individual on the canvas of time.

So it was at the birth of Lawrence S. Pollock on June 17, 1892 in Dallas , Texas . Only in the hearts of his parents, Rueben C. and Wolff Pollock, was there perhaps a dream of what their son was to accomplish.

Today, eighty seven years later, the city of his birth reflects the many facets of Lawrence Pollock's character and personality, and the imprint of his intellect is stamped across the nation.

It was over ninety years ago that Lawrence S. Pollock organized the Pollock-Burt Paper Box Company, left its management in the hands of his partner, and marched off to officers training camp. The year was 1918, but it was the month of February and the sound of cannon had not yet subsided in Europe . The strains of "Over There" were still echoing throughout America and Lawrence Pollock joined many others whose personal dreams had fallen prey to the interruptions of war.

Although a very young man in 1918, Lawrence Pollock was no novice to the world of business. Upon graduating from high school in Dallas , he had begun work with the Texas Paper Company where his father was employed. In 1914, Rueben Pollock had organized the Dallas Paper Company and his son served the firm as treasurer. Here, he gained meaningful experience in both sales and management. He continued in his post with the older firm even after organizing the Pollock-Burt Paper Box Company.

Few men of twenty-seven are content with life as it is or with things as they are. Many dream and some seek greener pastures. Young Pollock was the exception only to the latter part of this rule. He envisioned a future for Dallas which few men could perceive, and planting his feet firmly on his native Texas soil, prepared to meet the challenges that future would offer.

Upon his return from military service, he resigned as treasurer of his father's firm and took over the management of his own company. He established a paper jobbing business under the trade name Pollock Paper Company. Prior to this time, 1920, Pollock-Burt manufactured rigid boxes exclusively, and in 1923 the two companies merged to form the Pollock Paper and Box Company, increasing the capitol stock and effecting a material saving in operation expenses.

It was at this early date that the keen business acuity evident throughout his career came into play. Sensing that the manufacturing portion of the business had greater potential for profit and expansion than jobbing and distributing, he reversed the trend of the business from 20% to 80% manufacturing.

In 1924, foreseeing the potential of the waxed paper industry, he purchased the Dallas based Wax Wrap Paper Company which had been having operating difficulties. This acquisition, though relatively small, was to form the basis of Pollock's flexible packaging division.

It was soon evident to Mr. Pollock that the operation of several plants in different parts of the city, though profitable, had it disadvantages. A plan to consolidate all operations under one roof was conceived. It was also apparent in order to provide a complete packaging service to Pollock's customers, a folding carton plant should be added. This was included in the company's building plans.

The building project, personally financed by Mr. Pollock, was completed. In September 1926, all divisions, including a folding carton plant with the latest in equipment, were consolidated in a new and modern building at South Lamar and Alma Streets. Operations in the new building exceeded all expectations and sales were substantially increased.

The years that followed form an interesting segment of the packaging industry's history. When the economy of Dallas , like that of other cities, was fighting the strangle hold of depression, Pollock people were working. The company was expanding, slowly but surely, and hope was offered for a brighter future.

"From it's modest beginning as a small company with eight employees and annual sales of $35,000.00, the company has come a long way." These were Mr. Pollock's words some years ago in commenting on the growth of Pollock.

Today, from our long history of innovation, growth and focus on our valuable customers and associates, Pollock has grown to be the leading independent distributor of paper, packaging, janitorial supplies and equipment in the Southwest.

We operate out of eight Divisions in our Distribution Group and two corrugated plants in our Custom Corrugated Division to service and supply our customer base. In addition, we support other business from our East and West Coast warehouses.

Our team of dedicated associates are focused and committed to providing our customers with superior service in an enthusiastic manner to exceed their requirements.

For over ninety years Pollock has been committed to keeping the traditions and values of Lawrence Pollock the centerpiece of what we do and are about. He set a high standard for all of us, and now a third generation of family continues to lead Pollock and work to insure our customers, associates, suppliers and communities we operate in benefit from his vision and our commitment to the business.