The Art of Renovation
by Shala Marks
Jan 2011
Arizona Foothills Magazine
A craftsman at heart, Michael Pollack strives to keep the art of real estate construction alive. His company, Michael A. Pollack Real Estate Investments, works to a make a long-lasting difference in the community and believes there is no better way than to redevelop, reposition and renovate a project that will leave Arizona neighborhoods proud.
In third grade, he gave a presentation to his class about how to read a working plan for a fourplex. He watched the confusion on the faces of his classmates as he explained why the footing had to be a certain depth and width. At this moment, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.
Born and raised in San Jose, Calif., Pollack grew up in the real estate industry. His family is four-generations strong in the business. (In fact, Pollack's eldest son, Daniel, is currently vice president of his dad's company.) In 1973, Pollack began his career in residential real estate. Between 1973 and 1985, he was involved in more than 10,000 units of single-family, multi-family and condominium projects. After trying retirement for one full day, Pollack decided to venture in a different area of real estate and reinvented himself in the commercial and industrial real estate industry. To date, Pollack has been involved in more than 11 million square feet of real estate projects across the states and controls more than 3 million square feet of real estate between Arizona and California, completing more than 50 renovations throughout the Valley.
Headquartered in Mesa in an impressive 31,000-sq.-ft. building, Pollack Investments includes the Pollack Advertising Museum. With more than 8,000 pieces, the museum boasts the largest assemblage in the world of three-dimensional advertising pieces. His company has also worked with a host of charities including Save the Family, Goodwill Industries and Banner Hospital. "We pride ourselves on our integrity; our word is out bond," Pollack says. "And then, most important, is the quality of the projects that we deliver to the neighborhoods. That is critical to us."
Outside of Real Estate, Pollack is an avid art collector. He also has a Motown band, Pollack's Corporate Affair, which plays for charity events and parades. After more than 100 shows and plenty of "dancing in the Street" renditions, the band continues to be seen in the Tempe Fantasy of Lights, Phoenix Light Parade and the Fiesta Bowl Parade.
Pollack relocated to Arizona in 1991 because of the tremendous opportunities the state presented; he continues to see the glass half-full to this day. A recipient of numerous awards, Pollack is most humbled by his greatest investment; His family, including wife, Cheryl, and his three sons.
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