[5] He emigrated with his parents to the United States, and attended public schools in Manhattan, New York City.

Due to financial reverses in the family he worked for a year, and graduated with the class of 1889.

[8] After the outbreak of World War I, Piez was appointed vice-president of the Emergency Fleet Corporation (EFC).

[10][11] In 1917, he was also appointed manager of the United States Shipping Board, succeeding Rear-Admiral Frederic R.

[12] Until his retirement in April 1933, Piez served as chairman of the board of the Link-Belt Corporation.