He fought in Europe during World War II attaining the rank of master sergeant.
Polk Brothers was also the first retailer of color television sets and microwave ovens in the country.
[3] Polk had a reputation as showman and master merchandiser for his innovative and bold marketing campaigns.
In 1957, he offered a job to the unemployed Lord Mayor of Dublin and in 1966, he bought 250,000 pineapples and handed them out to customers.
[3] In 1958, Polk won the Mr. Big Heart Award for civic and charitable work in the March of Dimes campaign.