About Mark Simmons - CEO - Chief Epic Officer
The Past
Choices
I am an entrepreneur by DNA. Growing up one set of grandparents owned a real estate brokerage called Oakridge Realty and Insurance. It was located at 39th and Cambie in Vancouver. My other set of grandparents owned an electrical contracting company called Acme Electric. At the age of 16 I made a choice - I started a catering company called Mark of Excellence Catering. I went to cooking school at age 18 and at age 21 I bought a deli in Granville Island Public Market. After four years I sold that, went back to school for Hospitality Management and worked for the worlds largest contract food service corporation. I ran the catering department at Simon Fraser University and many other local colleges. I learned how a global corporation runs - all the ups and downs - all the pitfalls.
Natural Shift #1
After 17 years in the food business I made the natural shift in to...metal recycling. What? It's natural right? I worked for a family enterprise that was on it's 4th generation of family running the business. The business started in 1912. I learned about metal and held a few roles - sales and purchasing, as well as marketing and communications. As an observer I watched and absorbed everything. I saw how a multi million dollar family run business works through issues that only a family business would deal with. I took notes. After 12 years I left the company for my next adventure.
The Present
Natural Shift #2
During my last year at the recycling company I went back to school and took coaching and leadership development. Not knowing where this would all go I invested a lot of time and money for personal development. I became a CPCC - Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and did the unthinkable - I quit the recycling company to start my own business - Simmons Coaching Inc. Crazy right? Well not so much. I am a firm believer that everything works out in the end. It has not proved me wrong. I was able to take my 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur, working for a global corporation, and working for a family enterprise, and develop a company from it. I had the experience and ability to put everything together with no excuses or limitations.
As my company developed since 2012 MESH for Business was born. I was running MESH sessions which developed in to working with businesses and business owners on growing their companies. I was the coach in residence for 3 local Re/Max brokerages in Vancouver for a year. I was working with Realtors®, Financial Planners, Mortgage Brokers, Bankers, and Plumbers, Painters and creatives.
At the same time my way of networking was by being part of BNI (Business Network International). I have a current contract as the Franchise Manager for BNI in British Columbia. I oversee the daily operations and support of the 750+ members 27 chapters. Globally there are over 11100 chapters in over 76 counties with over 325000 members.
LEGO???
Yes...LEGO. I am a Certified LEGO® Serious Play Methods Facilitator. This is an amazing way of developing teams and all levels of business. Play, Strategy, Collaboration and Leadership Development. Check out the LEGO section.
The Future
The future is whatever you make it. My future could involve working with you and developing your business and your team. If you want to know more about me, MESH for Business, or how we can work with you all you need to do is reach out.
The Right Time is RIGHT NOW!
