As a young member of the US Air Force, Mark was assigned to Combat Crew status as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist, flying reconnaissance missions against the (then) Soviet Union during the cold war. Mark flew on RC-135's and EC-130's, and his land duty included a tour at the National Security Agency (NSA) in Fort Meade, Maryland. After receiving the Air Medal and an Honorable Discharge, Mark left the Air Force and finished his bachelor's of science degree in Applied Nuclear Physics from the University of California, Davis, where he also worked in the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory.

Mark spent the next three years working for a defense contractor as a Member of the Technical Staff, specifically performing radiation hardening analysis and design analysis as well as perfecting interactive design on an IBM 360 mainframe computer. Shortly thereafter, Mark realized his true passion was in commercial work, so he joined Apple Computer where he was a key development team member on the original Macintosh Portable, before it was even known as the PowerBook!

After nearly seven years at Apple as a lead engineer and manager, Mark moved on to join an MPEG design company, a technology which was then in its infancy. Mark was appointed the Program Manager for the Philips DVX8000, a PC/TV convergence product which was literally 10 years ahead of its time. After this, Mark joined a DSL Service company and an Internet Service Provider as a technical Director, providing him skills in the Internet and Internet Services.

Moving to Seattle in 2004, Mark became Director of Engineering for an Internet security firm. Eventually, in February of 2006, Mark followed a lifelong dream and acquired an Audio/Video electronics company. At a time when most similar companies were failing or shrinking, in the first year of ownership Mark grew revenue nearly 10% while simultaneously adding on new product lines such as in-home service, retail sales, and installation services.

In short, Mark's experiences have spanned hardware, software, Internet Services, and entrepreneurial endeavors. More importantly, however, Mark has become a professional leader and mentor who recognizes the importance of bringing technical teams to their fullest potential. The best engineers in the world, even those who are of world-class caliber, need to be able to work effectively with others to bring products to fruition. Brilliance in isolation does not provide world-class performance

Mark is available for consulting opportunities which will allow him to grow technical teams from sub-par or mediocre to world-class. While technology is critical, Mark has found over the years that it is truly the ability of teams to work together efficiently which will determine success or failure of a company. A fantastic idea coupled with well-funding does not guarantee success if the underlying team members cannot work together in a spirit of passion, trust, success and comradery.

While a technologist at heart, Mark's specialty has developed into growing dysfunctional teams into efficient, "well-oiled" machines.

Since he now lives in Seattle, Mark would prefer consultancies in the Puget Sound Area or via remote access. Travel will be considered with all expenses paid.

Mark may be contacted by email at mark{at}precision-audio-video.com or by direct phone at 888-246-3068. Rates are negotiable and will depend on several factors such as location, contract duration, and overall interest. Small, emerging companies will be given special remuneration rates.

European Export/Import Opportunities and Consultancies may be addressed by dialing +44 (0)20 70961867 or emailing mark{at}precision-audio-video.com.