Bio

Mr. Hooper is a California native. He grew up in Hollywood where he attended and graduated as class president of Hollywood High School with the likes of Lana Turner, Alexis Smith, Nanette Fabrette and Alan Hale, Jr. Following high school, he attended Kiski Prep School in Pennsylvania and was chosen for the basketball team. He later transferred to Stanford University and was a member of the Stanford National Championship Basketball Team. He was soon inducted as a private in the U.S. Army. After some hasty basic training at Camp Roberts near Paso Robles, California, he went to Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he becaime 2nd Lieutenant. He was shipped to Ford Rucker, Alabama and was sent to the battle fronts of Europe. He was assigned to the Third army, served in the European Theatre, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and several other battles. He was awarded the Star and after being injured, was awarded the Bronze Star and Cluster. He was promoted to Captain in the U.S. Artillery serving under General George Patton. Back home in California, he returned to Stanford to complete his Bachelors degree. Following his graduation from Stanford University, he started working in the insurance industry. His new career came to an abrupt halt as he was again called to serve his Country in the Korean Conflict. It was during his stint as ROTC Instructor that Bill Hooper became keenly aware of the need to insure athletes. By October 1960 when an airplane carrying the San Luis Obispo Football team crashed at the Toledo Airport following a game against the Bowling Green University Team killing about twenty of the players, coach and manager, he knew the time had come for mandatory athletes insurance. He sought and obtained the ear of then-Assemblyman John Vascocellos [now Senator] and with the support of other lawmakers, Mr. Hooper succeeded in changing the California Education Code by making insurance for athletes mandatory. He has traveled the roads of California finding his way to as many schools and colleges as possible always offering his motto: the best insurance products and best services to students of all ages. Along with Dr. Charles Runnels, Chancellor of Pepperdine University, Bill Hooper was a member of the West Los Angeles Little League and served as its president. For many years he was a very active member of the West Los Angeles Rotary Club. He has dedicated his life encouraging young people to succeed in the field of sports and sportsmanship. For the past fifteen years, he has sponsored the Brentwood 10K which attracts some 3,000 runners on Memorial Day weekend. 

His generosity to students, students athletes and their causes is well known throughout many schools in California. He is an associate member of the California Association of Schools Business officials and serves as a director of the Associates Members Committee.