Mark grew up on an acreage south of Clare.  He attended MNW graduating in 2000.  After graduation he attended Iowa Central Community College for two years, then continued his education at Iowa State University.  He graduated from Iowa State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and a minor in Agronomy.  After graduation he returned home as the Assistant Superintendent at Fort Dodge Country Club, and is currently the Golf Course Superintendent at Fort Dodge Country Club.  He has been in the golf course industry for 25 years.  His wife, Laura, is employed at Elanco Animal Health.  They have two children, Taylor and Logan who both attend MNW.