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Mark’s story begins in a small town in Wisconsin, where he attended Carroll University in Waukesha. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in marketing and a minor in graphic design, initially dreaming of a career where he could create full-scale marketing plans, including visuals, creative concepts, and everything in between. But as he began the application process, he realized that the graphic design side was not his strongest suit. Instead of forcing it, Mark shifted his focus to marketing strategy and execution, honing the skills that would define his career: understanding the full marketing process and bringing plans from concept to completion. This early pivot taught him the value of adaptability and playing to his strengths, lessons that would follow him throughout his professional journey.
After a brief role at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Mark landed a contracted position at CUNA (Credit Union National Association) in December 2018. Interestingly, finance was something he had avoided in college because his mom was a CFO at a credit union, and his college finance courses never clicked. Yet, he thrived, first as a contractor, then full-time, managing webinars, seminars, and national conferences for the finance portfolio. After a few months, he was brought on full-time, diving into end-to-end marketing campaigns and learning how to navigate larger organizational structures.
In 2021, Mark and his wife made a life-changing move to Eugene, Oregon, leaving Wisconsin behind. The relocation was inspired by a desire for milder winters and a new adventure. It was also a fresh start professionally. Soon after arriving, Mark discovered Blend and the Citi role. The position resonated immediately, drawing on his experience at CUNA while offering opportunities for growth and variety. Four years later, he is still thriving, a testament to the serendipity of career paths when you remain open to opportunity.
At Citi, Mark evolved from an execution-focused marketer to a project manager, a transition he did not anticipate but now finds incredibly fulfilling. For him, project management is like solving a giant, complex puzzle: coordinating deadlines, aligning multiple stakeholders, and adapting to unforeseen changes. “It’s like working with blurry instructions,” he laughs. “You don’t always know exactly how it will come together, but you trust the process and put the pieces in place. In the end, the full picture emerges.” It is a role that allows him to use both his analytical and creative sides, balancing structure with flexibility, a combination he finds energizing and rewarding.
One of Mark’s proudest achievements was leading the FlexPay landing page refresh. This project challenged him to manage cross-functional teams, from creative to development, while overseeing multiple rounds of review and approval. He even drew on his graphic design background to pitch ideas and influence the visual direction. “It was stressful at times, but incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. Beyond the tangible success of the project, Mark appreciated the opportunity to grow his leadership skills, guiding meetings, facilitating collaboration, and seeing the project through to completion.
Blend has been a consistent source of support throughout Mark’s journey. His monthly check-ins with Catherine provided not only guidance but reassurance, especially during the early months when he was still finding his footing.
For him, Blend is not just a staffing solution; it is a partner in his professional growth, providing mentorship and support every step of the way.
When asked about long-term career plans, Mark takes a refreshingly grounded approach. Instead of mapping out a decade-long trajectory, he focuses on the present, taking it year by year. “I really enjoy what I am doing right now,” he says. “I like the challenges, the learning opportunities, and the projects I get to work on. The future will figure itself out.” It is a mindset that emphasizes fulfillment over constant upward movement, proving that contentment and professional growth are not mutually exclusive.
Mark also sees great value in contract roles, viewing them as trial periods or mini-internships that let professionals test the fit before committing long-term. “You get a set timeline to prove yourself and see if it is the right environment,” he explains. “Sometimes it turns into something permanent, and sometimes it helps you refine your path.” For Mark, these opportunities have provided flexibility, exposure, and a chance to grow into the projects and teams he loves.
From Wisconsin winters to Oregon coastlines, from marketing plans to project management puzzles, Mark’s journey shows that careers rarely follow a straight line, but that is often where the magic happens. Adaptable, curious, and thoughtful, he thrives on challenges, embraces learning, and finds joy in the work he does every day. For Mark, it is never just about the job, it is about the journey, the puzzle, and the people along the way.
Mark’s story begins in a small town in Wisconsin, where he attended Carroll University in Waukesha. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in marketing and a minor in graphic design, initially dreaming of a career where he could create full-scale marketing plans, including visuals, creative concepts, and everything in between. But as he began the application process, he realized that the graphic design side was not his strongest suit. Instead of forcing it, Mark shifted his focus to marketing strategy and execution, honing the skills that would define his career: understanding the full marketing process and bringing plans from concept to completion. This early pivot taught him the value of adaptability and playing to his strengths, lessons that would follow him throughout his professional journey.
After a brief role at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Mark landed a contracted position at CUNA (Credit Union National Association) in December 2018. Interestingly, finance was something he had avoided in college because his mom was a CFO at a credit union, and his college finance courses never clicked. Yet, he thrived, first as a contractor, then full-time, managing webinars, seminars, and national conferences for the finance portfolio. After a few months, he was brought on full-time, diving into end-to-end marketing campaigns and learning how to navigate larger organizational structures.
In 2021, Mark and his wife made a life-changing move to Eugene, Oregon, leaving Wisconsin behind. The relocation was inspired by a desire for milder winters and a new adventure. It was also a fresh start professionally. Soon after arriving, Mark discovered Blend and the Citi role. The position resonated immediately, drawing on his experience at CUNA while offering opportunities for growth and variety. Four years later, he is still thriving, a testament to the serendipity of career paths when you remain open to opportunity.
At Citi, Mark evolved from an execution-focused marketer to a project manager, a transition he did not anticipate but now finds incredibly fulfilling. For him, project management is like solving a giant, complex puzzle: coordinating deadlines, aligning multiple stakeholders, and adapting to unforeseen changes. “It’s like working with blurry instructions,” he laughs. “You don’t always know exactly how it will come together, but you trust the process and put the pieces in place. In the end, the full picture emerges.” It is a role that allows him to use both his analytical and creative sides, balancing structure with flexibility, a combination he finds energizing and rewarding.
One of Mark’s proudest achievements was leading the FlexPay landing page refresh. This project challenged him to manage cross-functional teams, from creative to development, while overseeing multiple rounds of review and approval. He even drew on his graphic design background to pitch ideas and influence the visual direction. “It was stressful at times, but incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. Beyond the tangible success of the project, Mark appreciated the opportunity to grow his leadership skills, guiding meetings, facilitating collaboration, and seeing the project through to completion.
Blend has been a consistent source of support throughout Mark’s journey. His monthly check-ins with Catherine provided not only guidance but reassurance, especially during the early months when he was still finding his footing.
For him, Blend is not just a staffing solution; it is a partner in his professional growth, providing mentorship and support every step of the way.
When asked about long-term career plans, Mark takes a refreshingly grounded approach. Instead of mapping out a decade-long trajectory, he focuses on the present, taking it year by year. “I really enjoy what I am doing right now,” he says. “I like the challenges, the learning opportunities, and the projects I get to work on. The future will figure itself out.” It is a mindset that emphasizes fulfillment over constant upward movement, proving that contentment and professional growth are not mutually exclusive.
Mark also sees great value in contract roles, viewing them as trial periods or mini-internships that let professionals test the fit before committing long-term. “You get a set timeline to prove yourself and see if it is the right environment,” he explains. “Sometimes it turns into something permanent, and sometimes it helps you refine your path.” For Mark, these opportunities have provided flexibility, exposure, and a chance to grow into the projects and teams he loves.
From Wisconsin winters to Oregon coastlines, from marketing plans to project management puzzles, Mark’s journey shows that careers rarely follow a straight line, but that is often where the magic happens. Adaptable, curious, and thoughtful, he thrives on challenges, embraces learning, and finds joy in the work he does every day. For Mark, it is never just about the job, it is about the journey, the puzzle, and the people along the way.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Sit sit vel eu sed proin. Arcu bibendum in mauris urna erat magna volutpat eget. Lectus commodo consectetur egestas quis ut lobortis nunc.
