About Mark
I didn't grow up with many advantages. My mother and father divorced when I was six years old. My family lived in low-income housing until I was 10, and there were times when my mother relied on food stamps to help put food on the table. She did however still have a full-time job. Those early experiences shaped who I am. They taught me that hard work matters, that nothing should be taken for granted, and that complacency is the enemy of progress. They also taught me to appreciate every opportunity life provides.
As a kid, hockey became one of my greatest teachers. My father took out every dime he had to put me in the sport I loved since I was a small child. I started playing at 12 years old in South Saint Paul's storied program. After only two years I earned a spot on the A Bantam team. That experience showed me something I've carried with me ever since: if you're willing to work harder than anyone else, you can accomplish far more than people expect. That mindset has guided me throughout my life. For more than 20 years, I've worked in the hospitality industry, helping build businesses, create jobs, develop leaders, and strengthen the communities we serve. Along the way, I've helped open 12 restaurants for five different companies and have been fortunate to help grow B-52 Burgers and Brew and The Better Half into successful local businesses while expanding into additional restaurant concepts. Through the companies I've helped lead, we've invested a lot back into local schools, charities, employee assistance efforts, youth organizations, and community initiatives because we believe successful businesses have a responsibility to strengthen the communities, they call home.
Service has always been an important part of my life. I proudly served in the Minnesota Army National Guard before continuing my service in the Air Force Reserve. The military taught me lessons that continue to guide me today: prepare thoroughly, lead by example, take care of the people around you, and don't be afraid to make difficult decisions. You won't always have every answer, but you owe people thoughtful decisions, accountability, and the courage to stand behind them. My commitment to Lakeville extends beyond my career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked alongside mayor Doug Anderson to help local restaurants navigate unprecedented challenges. I serve on the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce Board because I believe strong partnerships between businesses, residents, and local government make our community stronger. Outside of work, one of my greatest joys is coaching youth hockey. For the past three years, I've coached my son's team, helping young athletes learn not only the game, but also the importance of teamwork, perseverance, respect, and accountability. Watching these kids grow has given me tremendous confidence in the future of our community. Lakeville's young people are remarkable, and I believe they will carry our city forward with character and compassion. Leadership, to me, has never been about titles. It's about serving others. Whether it's mentoring an employee, coaching a young athlete, serving in uniform, or giving back to our community, I've always believed that our responsibility is to leave things better than we found them. I'm running for Lakeville City Council because I love this community. Lakeville has given my family opportunities I never imagined growing up, and I believe this is my opportunity to give something back. I don't believe Lakeville needs to be reinvented. I believe it deserves thoughtful leadership that listens, prepares, and plans for the future while protecting the values that have made it one of Minnesota's best places to live, work, and raise a family. I will approach every decision the same way I've approached every chapter of my life: by listening first, working hard, treating people with respect, and always putting the community ahead of myself.
