Thank you for checking out my website – and taking time to find out more about me. I am currently working full-time for Performance Display and Millwork as a Convenience Store Specialist, but am available for freelance clients.

PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED in August of 2021, and I am now working full-time for Performance Display and Millwork in Grimes IA. Yes, they are inside Hawkeye territory, but this Badger is not going anywhere.

So, the dreaded ‘about’ page. Does Mark type something here in the third person? Do I use big action words like meet goals, defines needs, develop strategies, or creative ideas? Yeah, I am not like that. And because this is the dreaded about page – I will type something typical but not as typical as every other graphic designer about page. So here goes.

I like Bugs Bunny over Mickey Mouse, Batman over Captain America, Phineas & Ferb over _any_ news, and board games over going out. I wish my illustration skills would return my last year in college levels, to make enough money to not worry about anything (ha!) and have enough time to do everything I need to do on the weekends.

There’s no sensation to compare with this
Suspended animation, a state of bliss
Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I

Pink Floyd “Learning to Fly”

I still, to this day, honor Floyd Friday. My high school teacher, Mr. Ken Youra, started his teachings when I was in 7th grade. That first Friday during his class, he put on The Wall by Floyd. On vinyl no doubt. Only way to listen to Floyd in his book. Since that day, it has stuck right with me. He taught me art like no other. Throughout college, my numerous jobs, and my personal life, Pink Floyd is always there. Little does he know, that I still honor Floyd Friday. Granted, it’s not on vinyl and most of my co-workers are not cool with Floyd, but it still is piped into my noodle.

PROFESSIONAL

In August 2021, Performance Display and Millwork took pity on me and hired me on as their Convenience Store Specialist. I keep getting asked, “What’s that?” or “So, what do you do?”. In the 19 years of experience at Hussmann, I have worked on pretty much everything related to a convenience store. This includes designing and engineering unique concepts, fixtures, cabinets, and graphics for customers.

Since early 2003 to July 2021, I had been working full-time for Hussmann Corporation’s Small Format division as a Designer. Hussmann manufacturers refrigerated cases and systems. I primarily work on the convenience store (Small Format) section designing stores for regional customers like Rainbo Oil / Kwik Stop (IA), former PDQ Food Stores (WI), Kelley Williamson (IL), and Loeder Oil (WI). I’ve also done smaller projects for Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven, Gordon Food Service, and Kum & Go (IA).

In the Fall of 2014, our office team won two design awards through Convenience Store News: Best Overall Design for PDQ – Milwaukee Street, Madison, WI and Best Remodel for American Center BP (Loeder Oil) – Madison, WI — both projects I was lead designer on. In 2016, we also won for ‘Best Travel Center Design’ for Rainbo Oil Peosta, IA. , I also design and maintain the sales and marketing materials for the entire division; and used to project manage two convenience store chains on the East coast.

FREELANCE

I’ve created or shot almost anything you can think of: logos, brands, websites, brochures, senior class portraits, menu boards, signage, wallpaper, location photography, hanging structures, sales literature, weddings, receptions, Taste of Madison venues, complete corporate identities, product photography, annual reports, and hundreds of business cards.

Over the last few years, I started transitioned my professional freelance business to helping my hometown and community with free artwork. My current “clients” are the Pardeeville Watermelon Festival, Moto-Static, Pardeeville Lions Club, Grace Bible Church, and the awesome heroes at Team Rubicon. But over the last year, I have decided to start working on some minor projects. I will only be working a limited time (mostly during the evenings / weekends) on select projects.

Current Resume

I am currently working for Performance Display & Millwork as a Convenience Store Specialist, and am available for freelance clients.