Biography
Bill Montgomery was a marketing entrepreneur and activist who played a behind-the-scenes role in launching Turning Point USA, a national organization focused on political organizing among college-age Americans.
Early Career
Marketing and Business Montgomery spent his career in marketing and entrepreneurship. His ventures included work in the newspaper business, where he wrote, edited, and published numerous community newspapers. He also operated The Strand Cafe, a restaurant in the Chicago suburbs.
Activism After retiring from his marketing career, Montgomery became active in grassroots political organizing in the early 2010s. Through this involvement, he connected with a broader network of political activists in the Chicago area.
Founding Turning Point USA
Meeting Charlie Kirk (2012) Montgomery met Charlie Kirk after hearing the teenager speak at a small event. Montgomery encouraged him to forgo college and pursue full-time political activism. Montgomery served as Kirk’s mentor during the founding period of Turning Point USA.
Organizational Role (2012-2019) Montgomery co-founded Turning Point USA with Kirk in 2012, handling the organizational groundwork including paperwork and early administrative tasks. He served on the organization’s board as secretary and treasurer until spring 2019.
Digital Political Impact
Montgomery’s influence on digital politics includes:
- Identifying and mentoring Charlie Kirk, who developed Turning Point USA’s digital outreach to young Americans
- Providing the organizational foundation for Turning Point USA’s launch and early growth
- Connecting Kirk with activist networks in the Chicago area
- Supporting the operational infrastructure of Turning Point USA
Death
Montgomery died on July 28, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19.