TSPS: How/why did you get into surveying?

Mark: I graduated from ITT in the spring of 1993. I was going to be a drafter for my Dad’s architecture business, but it was slow at the time, so he introduced me to Mr. Roy Smith of Roy Smith Surveyors. Roy was looking for someone who knew how to work well with computers. I began my career at Roy’s and moved onto Bury+Partners (Bury+Pittman) in 1996. I was under the tutelage of John Bilnoski, who took the time to introduce me to the finer points of boundary analysis. I enjoyed the interaction between the people I encountered when tackling work projects, from there the rest is history. 

TSPS: Why did you join TSPS?

Mark: I joined TSPS to have the opportunity to give back to the Surveying community by serving as a first year director for my local chapter, Chapter 13 – Capital Area. I wanted the opportunity to network with local Surveyors I had heard about while I was gaining experience as a survey tech. It’s difficult to describe being able to have conversations with Ken Gold, Bill O’Hara, David Klotz, John Barnard and some of the people who I have admired, survey luminaries if you will. There are many others, as well, too many to list, but suffice it to say, every time I show up at a TSPS function it’s like being backstage at a rock concert!

TSPS: What is your most memorable surveying moment?

Mark: Honestly, I have a memorable survey moment every time I analyze data, create calc points, and I get a call back from the field crew stating that they recovered a monument within 0.03’ from my calc. Bingo! 

Mark's Favorites:

Color: Purple and Black
Food: Three cheese enchiladas with rice and beans
Animal: My wife and I have a lab mix and two cats. Thankfully, we all get along!
Singer/Band/Group: Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan
Hobbies: Music and Golf, although I can't remember the last time I was on a golf course. I need to fix that!

Mark is currently a TSPS Chapter 13 - Capital Area member.