Business address: 211 Moravian Valley Road, Waunakee WI 53589
Phone: 608-849-8675
Email:markn@hellenbrandglass.com
Website: www.hellenbrandglass.com
Birthplace: Madison
Organizations: NARI
Education: UW-Stout, construction management
Mark, how long have you been with Hellenbrand Glass, and what is your day-to-day role in the organization?
I have been working with Hellenbrand Glass for three years and have been in my current position since October 2012. I am an estimator and sales strategist, and I create proposals and presentations. My role also includes project management activities for work in progress.
Who, outside the firm, has influenced your career the most, and in what way?
Perhaps the most influential person was Marv Schuette (deceased), co-founder and past owner of Wausau Homes, Inc. His high-energy and enthusiastic approach to procuring new business and executing secured business impressed me. He supported me even when we disagreed, he was honest, and he has been a source of inspiration for the past 18 years.
What was a career high point?
Honestly, I have never been satisfied enough with any sale or completed project to say without reservation that I consider it to be a high point. The future excites me more than anything in the past.
Okay, let’s look into that future. What is a long-range goal that you’d like to achieve?
First, I want to secure my place, long term, as a high-producing employee for my organization. It is important to me that I exceed expectations, generate positive net income, and consistently return the faith and investment that my employer gives me every day. I am fortunate to be employed by people who support me and give me the freedom to do what I need or want to accomplish this goal. Second, my company takes pride in maintaining long-term relationships with customers. I want to contribute to this pride and enjoy contributing to the success of the clients we serve.
When you were in high school, what were your career aspirations?
I did not specifically have career aspirations in high school. I enjoyed competition and winning; believe it or not, this did happen once in awhile! I also searched for ways to express myself and create, but honestly was slow to mature and did not fully understand many things.
Your very first paycheck: from where, how much, and what did you do with it?
I earned $6.95 per hour from Fish Building Supply in Madison. Beer money, perhaps?
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I enjoy talking and hanging out with my son Clint. We have many things in common, and I am often amazed how mature this young child can be when given the chance. I believe he will one day be a greater man than I ever was. I also enjoy living my life without a routine, taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, and being open and available to recognize them as they appear. I am more relaxed when life is not planned, and I live as if each day has the potential to bring new challenges. And, finally, God bless the NFL.
What is your favorite place to travel and why?
Highway 2 from Minnesota to Montana has always been a favorite route. I feel free and independent when traveling through this beautiful northern country and enjoy the company of the people who choose to live there.
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Do you read for pleasure? If so, what is a recent title that might give us the flavor of what you like to read?
I find truth hard to find. I spend no time reading fiction. I am only interested these days in biographies of past political or military men. However, many biographies are filled with impressions and half-truths, and I often set a book down before getting though the first chapter. Authors are often more concerned about trying to impress readers and colleagues with writing styles and discovering conclusions. I spend more time watching The Military Channel and The Science Channel. Here, real-life accounts of experiences caught on tape can be viewed and theoretical math and physics are explored. This helps to remove the ego of the indoctrinated literary professional and allows me to draw my own conclusions.
Mark, if you were going to be cast as a character for a television program, let’s say, who would you most like to be identified with, and why?
Tony Soprano. Not so much “identified” with, but more “fascinated with” in an alter-ego kind of way.
That brings us to our last question, which is a bit of an expansion on the previous question: Can you pick three words, and three words only, that you would hope others might use to describe the real Mark Nelson?
Outspoken, quirky, and passionate.
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