Your future isn't something that happens to you. It's something you create.

Every person reaches moments in life when the choice is clear: sink... or swim.

In Sink or Swim: Your Destiny. Your Choice., businessman and leader Bill Polacek shares the timeless principles that shaped his own life, career, marriage, family, and faith. Through personal stories, practical wisdom, and biblical truth, he demonstrates that lasting success isn't built on talent alone. It's built through character, discipline, wise choices, and unwavering trust in God.

This inspiring guide is more than motivation. It is a blueprint for living with purpose.

Bill Polacek is the CEO & Chairman of the Board of JWF Industries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. In 1987, he founded the company as a small owner-operated business in a two-car garage. Under his leadership, JWF has grown into a diversified manufacturing organization employing hundreds of people across multiple facilities, serving industries such as defense, energy, transportation, and construction. With more than three decades of experience in metals manufacturing, Polacek is known for his strategic vision, commitment to innovation, and focus on building strong teams and customer relationships.

Throughout his career, Polacek has remained dedicated to continuous learning and community impact. He holds a degree in welding technology and has furthered his education through executive programs at Harvard and the University of Chicago, along with studies at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. His leadership and contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including an Honorary Doctorate from Saint Francis University, an Honorary Alumni Award from Mount Aloysius College,  and multiple entrepreneurial and community awards.

Awards include: Western Pennsylvania Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996, Pittsburgh Smart Business “Smart 50” Honoree-Sustainability Award in 2002, and being names a Best Place to Work in PA for three years in a row – 2023, 2024, and 2025.  

Bill founded and chaired a regional community effort, “Vision Together” as well as chaired and was a member of numerous boards.

Grounded in family values, Polacek has built his companies with a strong emphasis on culture, workforce development, and giving back. He and his family established the Polacek Family Human Needs Foundation to support those in need throughout their community. He resides in Richland Township, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Shari, children, William and spouse Stacy Polacek, Blake Polacek, Madison and spouse Nate Walker, and Carter Polacek, as well as grandchildren William and Oliver Polacek, and Aubrey and Myla Walker.

Coming Soon on AMAZON