Lonnie Poole Jr.
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Lonnie Poole Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1937 (age 87–88) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman and philanthropist |
| Known for | Founder and former CEO of Waste Industries and largest gift to NC State |
| Spouse | Carol Lynn Johnson Poole |
Lonnie Poole Jr. is an American businessman and philanthropist who was the founder of Waste Industries, one of the largest waste and recycling companies in the Southeast United States with approximately 2 million service points.[1] Poole is also known as the largest contributor of all time to North Carolina State University.[2]
In February 2011, Lonnie Poole was listed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy as number 27 on a list of philanthropic individuals in 2010.[3]
Lonnie C. Poole Jr. graduated from North Carolina State University (NC State) in 1959.[4] Shortly after graduation, he moved to Ohio to become an engineer, but he longed for his opportunity to move back to Raleigh.
Waste Industries
The initial idea of Waste Industries stemmed from market research Poole conducted while developing a concept for a new landfill compactor. The compactor idea failed, but Poole soon discovered his passion and moved back to Raleigh, North Carolina and launched Waste Industries in 1970.[5][6]
After a few years of stagnation, the company grew in the 1970s and quickly expanded past Wake County and the city of Raleigh. By 1980, the company had reached 10 million dollars in revenue. Soon thereafter, Jim Perry, their first employee (hired in 1971), was named president and chief operating officer.
The company experienced rapid growth, surpassing revenue of $600 million. It was later managed by Lonnie's son Ven Poole. Lonnie Poole served as the firm's CEO from its creation in 1970 until 2002. He served as chairman of the board of directors from 1970 until 2008 and remains on the company's board.