In the early 1990s, as president of Wilkie Buick on North Broad Street, Daniel H. Polett counted many Temple University administrators and faculty among his car dealership’s customers. But it was a surprise one day when university President Peter J. Liacouras dropped by to invite him to join Temple’s Board of Trustees. As Mr. Polett remembers it, the president told him “there were so many lawyers on the board, they could use a business perspective.” Mr. Polett joined the Board in 1992 and served as Board Chairman from 2006 to 2009. Today, Polett Walk, the path that runs from Temple’s Main Campus gates on Broad Street to 11th Street, is named in his honor (while the Liacouras Center now stands on the spot where Wilkie Buick once was). Mr. Polett has continued in the auto industry, as CEO of Lexus of Chester Springs and Wilkie Lexus. Through the industry’s ups and downs, “there are many sleepless nights, many times of worry and concern,” he says. “The only solution to adversity is to work so hard you don’t have time to worry.” In lean times, he’s also found it helpful “to remember what you can control.” During one slow spring season, he sent his customers little forget-me-not seed packets carrying the dealership’s name. Ordinary letters might wind up in the trash, he says with a laugh, “but there’s something about nature that won’t let you throw away flower seeds.” His advice to young people is the same — pay attention to what you can control, your appearance, your grooming, your speaking, and your writing. “If you are entering the workforce, I would say, from many years of experience, find common ground in your new environment. If you have a new boss, or you are beginning to work in a new setting, get in there early, be productive, avoid gossip, and be innovative. You will be noticed, and the positive recognition will enhance your career.”

Temple University Degree
Honorary Degree ’98, Temple University

Temple University Awards & Affiliatons

• Acres of Diamond Circle
• Chairman’s Circle
• Former Board of Directors, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System
• Former Board of Directors, Temple University Health System
• Former Board of Directors, Temple University Children’s Medical Center
• Former Board of Governors, Temple University Hospital
• Trustee
• Wachman Society 30
• Acres of Diamonds Award, 1993
• Russell H. Conwell Award, 1995

What I wanted to be when I was 20 years old
Successful.

Best piece of advice anyone ever gave me
Stay focused.