History

“I have been inspired by your dedication, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to making a difference. You have shown me what is possible when people come together with a shared purpose and a determination to make a positive impact on the world.”

-Bill Vick to PF Warriors in 2022

In 2011, Bill Vick was training for a triathlon when he noticed his training becoming harder. After some medical tests, Bill was shocked to be diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

As he learned more about IPF, he found little good news. His doctors said there was little they could do for him. They expected he would live only 2-3 more years. Bill’s goal became finding ways to live with pulmonary fibrosis, not to die with it. He didn’t want patients to have the negative experience he did. Bill sought to build collaboration between PF patients and the medical community, which became PF Warriors in 2014. Bill inspires other patients, who say the group has been life-changing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group started virtual meetings on Zoom and now reaches 17,000 members and social media followers in 50 states and 17 counties. PF Warriors is widely recognized as a valuable resource for patients and families living with pulmonary fibrosis.

After 25 years as a successful executive recruiter and a Fortune 500 executive, he became an entrepreneur and launched a chain of computer stores, a software company, a top 100 website, and helped take a software company public. Bill joined Management Recruiters International (MRI) in 1986 and was their National Rookie of the year in 1987. As an executive recruiter, he created a software company (SOLO) focused on software for recruiting and staffing firms and founded Recruiters OnLine Network, a top 100 website. Bill sold his software business in 2002 and web businesses in 2010. His two published books, LinkedIn for Recruiting and Big Biller, continue to be top sellers in the employment industry.

Bill has been a founder and board member of the Pinnacle Society recognizing achievement in the staffing industry, a national speaker for NAPS, served on the Board of Directors of The Texas Association Staffing Services, as well as a founder of the local Dallas Independent Recruiters Group (now ESOA) and a lifetime member of the USMC Force Recon Association.

He also closely follows developments in technology, video, social media, and technology’s bleeding edge with a focus on marketing and social branding. However, his passion is helping businesses succeed, changing lives, and inspiring people and families who are living with pulmonary fibrosis.

“I am so grateful to you, Bill. Our first phone conversation was a real game-changer for me. I went from depression to hope. I have learned more in this forum than any other. Your hard work and dedication in creating this group just amaze me. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge and support I have received and continue to receive.”
-Karissa Crawford

Lessons Learned

December 2022

“Thank you’ doesn’t seem at all adequate to express how much your genuine caring support has meant to our family. Your steadfast support & friendship & this group was the one thing we could always count on!! Never doubt the profound difference you’ve made in so many lives.”
-Joe Malec