Mark began working in the fire sprinkler industry in 1989 working in the shop for Western Fire Protection. In 1990 Mark went to work as a sprinkler fitter apprentice for Grinnell Fire Protection. In 1992, Grinnell opted out of union status and Mark chose to seek better opportunities with A-1 Fire Protection to work on more complex government projects. In 1994, Mark moved back to his hometown of Anchorage Alaska to work for Fire Protection Contractors.