Mark was raised in southern Jefferson County, Colorado since 1969 and has seen this Southwest Denver area change from open space to the developed suburban area that it is today. While growing up, he was involved in scouting, and spent a lot of time in the Colorado outdoors and the mountains. Mark graduated from Columbine High School in 1979, and attended the Colorado School of Mines from which he graduated in 1984 with a B.Sc. in Engineering.

Mark started his professional career with Martin-Marietta Astronautics (now Lockheed-Martin) and worked in aerospace for 10 years on numerous civil and defense space system programs and technologies. Mark has worked for 15 years in the design and development of automotive test systems, analytical instruments, and valves, actuators, and pneumatic fluid power components for the commercial and large truck industries. Today, he is a Project Manager for new product development and manufacturing operations.

Mark’s personal interests include classic cars, auto racing, hunting, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and outdoor activities. Mark has participated in drag racing for many years. He is passionate and actively involved with his church, and community and global outreach activities. Mark has a strong interest in public policy issues, politics, energy, and finance. He believes that voicing a truthful opinion in the greater public interest, and motivating others to ‘think and do the right thing’ for our country, is a civic duty and responsibility as a citizen.

Mark and his wife Deb have been married since 1992 and are blessed with two daughters. He resides in the Columbine area in Littleton, Colorado.