“Conversations with Alumni” – David Pollin ’90

Marina Pinheiro '24 had the opportunity to intervew David Pollin ‘90, CEO of Hospitality Valuation Services.

As the Co-Founder and President of The Buccini/Pollin Group (“BPG”) and Chairman of PM Hotel Group, David Pollin is a leading expert in the realm of hospitality, real estate, and entrepreneurship.

Growing up in the hospitality industry, Mr. Pollin discovered his passion for the hotel business at a young age. From changing beds to carrying luggage, he held various roles in the hotel and learned to love the life of service. Such exposure to the intricacies of operations led him to pursue his education at the Cornell Hotel School, a choice he accredits as one of his best career decisions. It was at Cornell where he met his close friend, and later, business partner, Rob Buccini, whom he founded BPG with a few years after graduation in 1993.

Since the embark, BPG has developed into a multi-faceted real estate acquisition, development, and management company. BPG has developed and acquired over $6.0 billion in assets, including 47 hotels, seven million square feet of office and retail space, 17 residential communities, and multiple sports/entertainment venues in the portfolio.

Amidst his successful career, Mr. Pollin has always found time to give back to the Cornell community by serving on the School of Hotel Administration’s Dean’s Advisory Board, speaking at the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, participating in CHS programs, serving as a lifetime member of the Cornell Council, etc. As someone who had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Pollin for the “Conversations with Alumni” program, I cannot express my gratitude enough for his generosity of time and resources. I had the pleasure of learning about his career path that led him to where he is today, and he graciously lent an open ear and counseled me through my career considerations. Without hesitation, Mr. Pollin connected me with numerous contacts within the industry who would later aid me in my career search. Mr. Pollin’s willingness to support me, even upon our first encounter, is a testimony to the life of service that he exhibits -- as a true hotelie.

I would like to thank CHS for the opportunity to engage in an enlightening conversation with Mr. David Pollin. I encourage any and all Hotel School students to seek out these experiences with CHS to connect with our engaged alumni.