Second Century Society

Mark “Dill” Driscoll ’70

Second Century Society

Dill Driscoll ’70 and his wife Northwood Trustee Susan Driscoll

Marketing visionary and entrepreneur Mark “Dill” Driscoll ’70 will tell you he’s led a charmed life. From his point of view, Northwood took a big chance on a kid that had been to nine different schools in the first nine years of his education. “I had no money, but I had talent,” he mused. “Thanks to people like John Friedlander and Warren Witherell, I left Northwood knowing I could do anything I wanted. That changed my life.”

Few could argue Dill’s ability to spin straw into gold. He was the valedictorian of his Northwood class where he also made the U.S. Ski Team’s Development squad, and a Baker Scholar who earned his Bachelor’s degree at St. Lawrence University. Post-graduation on his way to pursue a Harvard MBA, John Friedlander instead coaxed him back to teach and coach at Northwood School for a couple of

Thanks to people like John Friedlander and Warren Witherell, I left Northwood knowing I could do anything I wanted. That changed my life.”

years, becoming a favorite mentor to many. While in Lake Placid, Dill started a one-of-a-kind sporting goods store where he created the world’s first indoor track for customers to experience the new Nike Waffle Trainers. Everyone told him he was crazy, but this was the start of his success in experiential marketing, an industry many say he pioneered. Dill went on to launch and sell several multi-million-dollar marketing and event companies, promoting more than a dozen of the most iconic brands in the world. And as though that weren’t enough, he has also authored two books, become a much-loved college entrepreneur-in-residence, and has helped raise over $27 million for veterans through a Memorial Day event called Carry the Load.

Dill’s can-do attitude and innovative thinking along with his belief in the “power of human touch” have helped him create an enviable career. As he says, “I’ve pulled off the impossible more times than I can count.”

So, why has he chosen to include Northwood in his estate plans?

“I give to my other schools, but Northwood made me who I am.”

If you find yourself reflecting back on the role that Northwood has played in your life, we hope you will consider helping to secure the long-term future of Northwood School by becoming a member of the Second Century Society. This giving society recognizes those loyal donors who have positioned Northwood School as one of their most important priorities through a planned or estate gift. For more information, please contact Stephanie Colby at colbys@northwoodschool.org or 518-302-5138.