Check out Mark’s episode on HAVAN’s podcast ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once’
Tell us about yourself & your company?
Mark: Raised on the North Shore in a family of artists, I found my interest in construction after taking the construction course at Carson Graham high school in 1983, before graduating from the BCIT construction program. I have been a journeyman carpenter and a home construction contractor for more than 25 years, Shakespeare Homes builds custom homes and high end renovations.
Renovation tip?
Mark: Understand the budget fully… Soft Costs (permits, consultants, BP fee’s, etc) don’t attribute to the final look, the hard costs or actual construction costs… but these soft costs need to be financed. So asking if these are in the budget or not can impact the over all numbers by upwards of 5-15%.
It’s 11AM Saturday morning, what are you up to?
Mark: April through Sept, fishing or cruising on the water… October – March, coaching soccer…
What are your hobbies?
Mark: Aquarian… I need to be near the water. Boating with the family, fishing with the kids, Jake (the dog) and my dad (88..) and in the shoulder season’s fly fishing the rivers and lakes and eventually skiing… I’ve taken up mountain biking again and loving that as part of my weekly exercise. I really love the North shore and all the activities from the ocean to the mountains.
Proudest moment?
Mark: Personally, becoming a parent to three amazing kids. Professionally, our Mountain Highway project. All non-conforming and making it into a masterpiece of thinking outside of the box and creative design and craftsmanship .
What have you done in your community in the last year?
Mark: Coached junior sports, two soccer teams. And opening a large craft brewery against all odds in the local economy within a difficult municipality.
Favourite HAVAN event and why?
Mark: Members Expo. Great to see an event with some many great exhibitors, networking events and see all the like minded attendee’s.
Best work perk at your job?
Mark: Learning from others younger than me and providing some leadership skills
Last HAVAN member you spoke to?
Mark: Larry Verigin of Hybrid Elevator
What inspires you?
Mark: Young entrepreneurs and young leaders
What are you excited for / looking forward to right now?
Mark: Making a stronger company and river fishing with my dad and son.
Share an interesting fact about your life?
Mark: I use to work in the high tech industry out of California for many years. Complete with international travel and even a challenger jet… High level industry shaping products and one of the most exciting times in that industry
Last piece of advice you have received?
Mark: Be calm, kind and everything will work out
Starbucks order?
Mark: Tall Cappuccino with Oat Milk
Song on repeat right now?
Mark: Take it Easy, Eagles
Where were you born?
Mark: North Vancouver, but lived in England twice at a young age
Pets?
Mark: Oh yes, Jake is my BFF (Best Fury Friend), a 75 lb German Short-Haired Pointer
Favourite holiday / destination?
Mark: Denham Bay, Stuart Island BC, and Maui Hawaii
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Mark: Absolutely
First concert?
Mark: The Who circa 1980… the Clash opened for them (I think…)
Last show watched?
Mark: Re-watched Tombstone, my fav… Love the character of Doc Holliday
Fun fact about you?
Mark: I used to own a horse and still ride occasionally
What do you collect?
Mark: Fishing rods
Netflix guilty pleasure?
Mark: Ozark
Anything else you’d like to add?
Mark: Life’s for Living…. Enjoy every moment. Kiss your kids, hug your parents and love your partner.
