More about Gary Polk Sr. 

Gary L. Polk, Sr., is a Black businessman, CEO, business consultant, university professor and author, and is passionate about entrepreneurs…and why they succeed or fail.

My initial book, Why Entrepreneurs Fail (to Win), is widely used as a textbook in college entrepreneurship programs.

Why Black and Brown Entrepreneurs Fail (to Win), published December 1, 2020, is intended for entrepreneurs and those who want to be and Why Women Entrepreneurs Fail (to Win), publishing in October, 2021 concurrent with Women’s National Business Month, is targeted specifically for women entrepreneurs.

Takeaways? I want my readers to learn what they need to know to be as successful as they can be. Also, I am focused on the triple bottom line, “People, Planet, Profit,” and believe they align to drive success for everyone involved.

I’m also a proponent of social entrepreneurship, having launched the Polk Institute Foundation, https://www.polkinstitute.org on January 15, 2021.

Professionally, once upon a time, I served as a banker. Friends called me "Mr. B of A." Starting as a teller, upon graduation from LMU, I went on to spend 10 years at the old Bank of America. My job positions ranged from teller to Branch Manager to Area Credit Administration and Marketing Coordinator.  After banking, I spent 14 years in insurance sales and district management.  

Starting at CSU, Northridge, I’ve taught as an Adjunct Professor since 1991, and at CSU, Dominguez Hills since 2003. 2020 marked my 29th year as an Adjunct Professor and 17th year at CSUDH as a Lecturer and Adjunct Professor of Business Management, Ethics and Entrepreneurship. Ethics is my recent area of scholarly research.

In between CSUN and DH, I’ve also taught at Cerritos College, Santa Monica College and DeVry University. I’ve also worked as a corporate trainer while at Allstate and Farmers Insurance companies.

Educationally, I’ve earned my Master of Science in Administration (MS) at CSUDH and my Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Loyola Marymount University, L.A. I spent my first two years at Azusa Pacific University and played JV basketball for the legendary small college coach Cliff Hamlow at Azusa Pacific.

I have five grandkids, three adult kids, two dogs, and am married to his second wife, Claudine Pacheco Polk. I live in the South Bay of Los Angeles County.  My hobbies include reading both nonfiction and novels. In 1995, I founded a co-ed book club that still thrives today. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews is one of my all-time favorites. Also, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto was an amazing read.

Finally, I’m a true Los Angeles sports fanatic, not just a fan! I LOVE the Lakers, the Dodgers, USC Football, and UCLA Basketball, and Rams.  

Learn more http://www.polkinstitute.org.

As of February 25, 2022, The Rotary Club of Los Angeles will require proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test result (within 72 hours of attending) for all members and guests attending our club meetings in person.

Photographic evidence of vaccination/testing proof will be acceptable.

LA5 Members: Please inform all of your invited guests of this important new protocol.

Please Note: If you are vaccinated, masks/face coverings are optional. If you are unvaccinated, we will continue to require masks/face coverings for everyone inside the building when not at a Dining Room table or actively enjoying food and beverage.