Hello my name is Mark
welcome . . . . .
Here I choose particular words on purpose, then arrange them in ways to SPARK the pink squiggly stuff in your skull in hope that you see a little of my essence
The Track Record
Professional Summary
I am a results-driven General Manager and storyteller who thrives where high-stakes operations meet human connection. Whether I’m optimising hospitality workflows in Gippsland or building award-winning businesses in the high-altitude challenges of Bolivia, I lead with adaptability and boots-on-the ground.
Passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences, particularly within the hospitality and tourism industries. Committed to delivering high-quality, detail-oriented service that showcases the unique beauty and culture of each destination, while ensuring every guest feels valued and engaged.
Skilled in business planning, budgeting, and financial management, with a strong ability to lead, influence, and motivate diverse teams toward achieving strategic objectives. Recognized for building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive, positive work environments.
Experienced in working across varied regions including Victoria, NSW, QLD, Tasmania, and South America. This diverse background has provided a deep understanding of different markets and cultures, enriching leadership capabilities and enhancing business acumen.
Summary:
Host and FOH Manager Temp Role - Current
Social Media Manager Temp Role - Current
General Manager The View Function Centre previously De Grandi's
General Manager - De Grandi’s Winery - Traralgon East / Jun 2023 - April 2025
Sales and Marketing Executive – Narkoojee Wines Gippsland / Jan 2021 Jun 2023
Digital Marketing Consultant – CloudTask /Remote Role / March 2020 – Nov 2020 (through COVID)
General Manager - Higher Ground / La Paz Bolivia / April 2017 – March 2020
Hotel Manager (live in) - Rendezvous / La Paz Bolivia / 2014 – August 2017
Tours & Operations Manager – Gravity Downhill / La Paz / October 2011 - October 2016
Franchise Business Manager Vic/Tas Inspirations / Melbourne / May 2006 - Jan 2011
Marketing Manager Artisan Recruitment/ Melbourne / March 2005 - April 2006
General Manager Paint-Right Australia / Melbourne / Feb 2001 to Mar 2005
General Manager Porters Paints Australia / Melbourne / Oct 1997 – Dec 2000
Marketing & Business Development Manager / CSR Syd & Bris/ April 1993 – October 1997
What Drives the Engine
While everything in the above blurb is true, here's how I would describe myself
- I believe how we live on this planet is in many ways absurd but in more ways impossibly beautiful. I believe life is an incredible gift, I am constantly amazed at how life bursts forward and works as well as it does.
- I believe that despite the widespread doomerism, we're on the precipice of a regenerative renaissance, and technical revolution in the way we live and work
- I am a big believer in the power of 1:1 conversations, collaboration, group jams, and authentic storytelling to change the world. All of these things have changed my life again and again. I believe we must learn how to connect in a human level with people who are different than us and tell stories that remind us that our differences are our superpowers and badly needed to regenerate the world.
- I question everything. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate how things are. It is that I believe we must regularly turn a critical eye to culture and institutions and ponder how they can be shifted for the betterment of all. So I challenge norms and get people thinking out side the box. Doing what we have always done while expecting different results is madness, Constantly challenging norms is progressives and sparks innovation.
- I believe the only consistent in life is change, nothing stays the same. I enjoy being a change agent.
- Big believer in measuring what we do, what can be measured can be benchmarked and improved. I work well with KPIs Key Performance Indicators and CPIs, Continual Process Improvement
- I have experienced many significant set backs and challenges that have had a profound impact on my life. I have no regrets about any of them, they have shaped my life profoundly.. I am resilient, tenacious, passionate, I am a great manifester. The greater the challenge the more determined I am.
- I LOVE LIFE! I have been blessed with some of the most amazing experiences! As serious as I can be I certainly have an equally lively, endearing and fun loving side with a wicked sense of humour. I strongly believe that to build bonds, collaboration, creativity and resilience at the workplace, we allow ourselves the chance to have a good laugh.
- I am drawn to authentic people, people with integrity, honesty, and say what they mean and mean what they say.
- I am a story teller, I have a passion for creative writing and crafting meaningful and throught provoking ideas.
Testimonials...
The thing about Mark is that he is a true collaborator. A solid listener as he is a storyteller and working with him was, literally, an adventure. On top of his great ability to communicate and inspire, I was always impressed by his ability to adapt especially in a country where his lack of fluency may have hindered a lesser professional. Mark saw past that, connected on common ground, and let his actions speak louder than words. He's clearly poised to be an asset to any team and a great mentor to boot.
- Mauricio La Paz Bolivia.
Mark has the creativity and vision to recognize a market opportunity and build it, combined with the manage skills to grow it. I witnessed the way he fostered a culture that grew to attract many distinct clients in La Paz (a traditionally conservative market). His keen attention to detail and emphasis on quality and service contribute to an unparalleled experience.and success of Higher Ground, .
- Barret Wellemeyer Lead Design Engineer
Mark is a professional and effective manager in his time at Inspirations Paint. He achieved significant growth outcomes for his Vic and Tas stores and helped to implement many national initiatives on the ground in these two states. As Head of Marketing, I dealt directly with Mark over the six-year period and would not hesitate to recommend him for any future role –
- Joel Goodsir Head of Marketing. Inspirations Paint
Mark is a really smart guy. He knows his craft and produces incredible results. I could not recommend him highly enough. You're on to a good thing with Mark.
- Michael Broderick owner/CEO Artisen Recruitment.
Mark encapsulates what it means to be a true leader, he is a talented and tenacious guy who somehow, despite the day to day pressures of his role, with a smile delivered outstanding results. He set a challenge to fit out and relocate our head office while managing the complexity of organising our National Conference. Both were an incredible success and stand as testament to his unwavering commitment and ability.
Paul Roche Director of PaintRight Australia.
I was extremely impressed with your product, and more so your people. Such a sterling effort to create this extraordinary facility with such an amazing talented professional team. This coupled with your own enthusiasm and energy will ensure success. I was inspired and now see new opportunities for our US Markets.
- David V Clarke CEO CSR America.
Bright Sparks
Sparked Actions
What Sparks Me
Here are some of the brightest of sparks.
These people are responsible for the podcasts or books that continually spark my interests and shape my thoughts and my life.
&
any number of TEDTalks
What Sparks Me
Sparked Actions
What Sparks Me
We Are Here to Solve Problems
Life doesn't always go the way we planned; it has a way of testing our resolve. It's through solving problems that we discover our true potential and push the boundaries of what we believe we can achieve.
Embrace Both Victory and Defeat
When we win, it's important to remember that the next time we could lose. It's through our defeats that we gain the wisdom and experience to achieve our future victories.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Life's setbacks are not meant to keep us down but to challenge us to rise again, stronger and more determined. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep moving forward despite the difficulties.
The Spark of Tenacity
Tenacity is the relentless pursuit of our goals, regardless of the obstacles that stand in our way. Tenacity is about never giving up, staying focused on our objectives, and persevering through challenges and setbacks. It's this unyielding spirit that sets us apart and propels us towards success.
Never Give Up
Life will throw many challenges our way, but it's our response to these challenges that defines us. Every great achievement was once considered impossible until someone refused to give up. Be that someone.
Sparked Actions
Sparked Actions
Sparked Actions
Trekking through the Highlands of Papua New Guinea: In his 20s, Mark embarked on an adventurous three-week trek through the highlands of New Guinea.
Project Managing an Award-Winning Design and Display Centre: Mark successfully led a design team to manage and construct an award-winning, state-of-the-art Design and Display centre.
Cycling Across the Andes: Mark undertook a challenging cycling adventure across the Andes, covering over 800 kilometers from Arica, Chile, to La Paz, Bolivia. The route included a total climb of 10,800 meters, with the highest point reaching 5,700 meters.
Riding the Death Road in Bolivia: In Bolivia, Mark rode up the world's most dangerous road, known as the Death Road, twice to raise money for a farmer in need of a prosthetic leg.
Establishing a Successful Cafe/Wine Bar/Restaurant: Mark built and established a thriving Cafe/Wine Bar/Restaurant in La Paz, Bolivia.
Solo Hiking Through the Patagonia Wilderness: Mark ventured on an eight-day solo hike through the wilderness of Patagonia.
Things I love
Continued Education
Places I've been
My happy place is sailing Sydney Harbour
I have had the privilege to sail the
The Greek Islands
The Turkish Islands
South Americas
Peru to Panama
Whitsundays
Sydney
Gold Coast
My other happy place is cycling
working as a mountain bike tour guide I have cycled many incredible locations through South America
I now enjoy the leisure of a trike bike which I ride regularly around the rail trails of Gippsland.
Places I've been
Continued Education
Places I've been
From an early age I've been an explorer.
I have seen most of Australia, Lived in 3 major cities, Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane.
At the age of 22 I trekked the highland of Papua New Guine for 20 days, visiting many tribal villages.
I have traveled Indonesia, China, Europe, UK Canada, USA, Central America, All of South America I have submerged myself in various cultures and learnt their history and traditions
I moved to Argentina in 2011 where I rediscovered myself. Lived in Buenos Aires before moving to El Bolson Patagonia where I trekked the Andes for 8 days solo.
I have ridden a bike from the coast of Chile across the Andes to La Paz Bolivia, covering a distance of 880 with a total climb of 10,800 meters. highest point was 5,700 meters.
From Argentina I moved to La Paz Bolivia
Worked on the number one tourist destination with the number tour operator.
Continued Education
Continued Education
Continued Education
HubSpot/Norton/CRM.
GEMINI
NOTEBOOKLM
XERO
SQAURE POS
CANVA
Digital Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Rope Rescue
Wilderness First Aid
Open Water Navigation
Open Water Sailing Skippers
PADI Diving Certificate
Neuro-linguistic Programming NLP Masters
Associate Diploma of Business and Marketing AIM
MBA AIB (Inprogress)
CSR HomeScape
Background
The CSR HomeScape project was a state-of-the-art design and display centre in Brisbane and Sydney. This ambitious facility is designed to revolutionize how builders, designers, and homeowners interact with building materials.
The centre served as a single, comprehensive showcase for all of CSR Australia's building products—a first-of-its-kind, fully integrated experience. It married cutting-edge computer visualisation tools with compelling static cut-away displays that bring domestic home construction to life.
Visitors were immersed in a learning environment, able to explore construction methods in both real and virtual environments. The displays crafted to be both visual and tactile, strategically highlighting the core value proposition of CSR's extensive product portfolio (including brands like Herbal, PGH, Gyprock, Bradford, Softwoods, Formica, and Monier) in a manner never before achieved. This unique combination aimed to inspire and inform, demonstrating superior quality, performance, and design flexibility for the homes of the future.
Higher Ground La Paz
Higher Ground 2017 to 2021
Higher Ground is Australian Owned, conveniently located within the tourist district of La Paz Bolivia.
Higher Ground delivered the best of Bolivias freshest produce, Coffees, Beers, Wines, and Cheese.. Open at 6:30am we serve Breakfast, Brunch (all day), Lunch and Dinner. Our restaurant delivers a fusion of Bolivia with the West with foods to remind you of home.
Our Bolivian coffee beans are amongst the most sought after beans available.
Higher Ground delivers that rich flavor known to particular coffee connoisseurs. Our Coffee Beans are locally sourced from Caranavi, Yungas Valley. An area well recognized as one of the worlds best regions for high altitude coffee bean production. We have a quality guarantee, if something is not to your liking will will do everything we can to rectify the situation
Higher Ground won the Travellers Choice Award 4 years running.
Here is a collections of what our guests had to say about us on TripAdvisor.
The New Number 1 Place to Eat In Bolivia
HG is even better than it was and is now clearly the best place to eat, not only in La Paz, but in all of Bolivia. My most recent visit this past week was with a work colleague from a small mining city a long way from La Paz. I'd pumped up the Aussie Burger with him and he really got stuck into it. He couldn't believe just how good it was. This time I went for something different: chicken breast with a pepper sauce. WOW, it was every bit as good as the Aussie. These blokes really know how to cook and present a fabulous and fun dining experience. And to start the night off we had a couple of mojitos; not something that the miners where my colleague comes from ever drink. The best mojitos outside of Cuba and Miami. There is only one thing the owner, Mark, needs to do to improve the place and that's to find somewhere bigger to accommodate the crowds that he now attracts with his first-class drinks, food, and service.
Probably my favourite cafe in la Paz
Went to quite a few spots while I was in la paz for a few days, and had such a great time here. The waiters are helpful, the food is really fantastic, and the owner was so, so nice. Offered to fill up my water bottle as I was leaving. Great spot to do work or chill out with friends. Definitely would recommend.
Higher Ground La Paz is hands down the best food myself and my friends have had in our Central and South American trip so far. Mark the Australian owner was nothing short of amazing for our group, even booked us our Salt Flat tour, his staff are professionals and the whole cafe vibe is one you don’t want to miss!
We came to Higher Ground on TripAdvisor’s recommendation, and that was a good decision. We were so happy with our meals that we returned for a second time the following evening. Everything we ordered was delicious - and there was a wide range to choose from. Plenty of choices for my vegetarian daughter too.
In addition, service was friendly, and prompt and we also got into conversation with Mark, the lovely Australian owner of Higher Ground. He is clearly passionate about his restaurant and cares about his customers, which adds to the warm vibe.
As a bonus, Mark previously worked as a guide in Bolivia and is happy to provide travel tips. Very useful!
Higher Ground Background
The Higher Ground Cafe/Wine Bar Story
Higher Ground, a unique cafe experience that combines exceptional coffee with the breathtaking beauty of Bolivia.
Higher Ground was born out of a combination of passion, adventure, and a desire to showcase the incredible coffee beans that Bolivia has to offer. Our founder, during his time as a mountain bike and motorcycle guide, encountered numerous international coffee buyers who would join him on tours before embarking on their own journeys to meet coffee growers. This experience revealed the untapped potential of Bolivian coffee and sparked the idea of creating a niche cafe that celebrates the country's exceptional beans.
Drawing on his background as a trained barista in Melbourne's renowned cafe capital, our founder understands that cafe culture is about more than just great coffee. It encompasses the ambience, smells, music, and the warmth of our staff. Our aim is to create an environment where you can truly enjoy a cup of coffee, immersing yourself in the experience.
Located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia, at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, we face unique challenges in delivering the perfect cup of coffee. The boiling point of water is lower, and the lack of oxygen affects the flavour extraction. To overcome these obstacles, we have carefully curated the three essential elements that contribute to an exceptional coffee experience.
Firstly, our coffee beans are locally sourced from Caranavi, Yungas Valley, which is renowned for its high-altitude coffee production. We maintain a strong relationship with our plantation and roaster, ensuring that the beans are freshly roasted and delivered to our grinder within hours. This freshness enhances the flavours and richness of our coffee, offering a truly remarkable taste.
Secondly, we take pride in our top-notch equipment, specifically designed for unique high-altitude conditions. Our Italian-made cafe grinder and machine are tailored to our requirements. We use 25% more beans per cup to compensate for the altitude, we carbon filter our water and utilize high-pressure boilers to reach the optimum temperature for full flavour extraction.
Lastly, our talented baristas, who are some of Bolivia's finest, play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional cup of coffee. They are coffee artisans who follow the correct brewing methods with precision and passion. You will be captivated by their skills and dedication, witnessing the magic unfold as they craft each cup.
Your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to providing a memorable experience. If there is anything we can do to enhance your stay or if you need assistance with travel advice or planning your next adventure, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is valuable, and we kindly invite you to share your experience by leaving a review on TripAdvisor or Google.
Thank you for choosing Higher Ground. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time with us and savor every sip of our exceptional coffee.
Warm regards, The Higher Ground Team
Imagine a world in which the ability to inspire is practiced not just by a chosen few, but by the majority. Studies show that over 80 percent of us are not doing what we enjoy. If more knew how to build organizations that inspire, we could live in a world in which that statistic was the reverse—a world in which over 80 percent of people loved going to work. People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. They go home happier and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and clients and customers better. Inspired employees make for stronger companies and stronger economies.
I hope to inspire others to do the things that inspire them so that together we may build the companies, the economy and a world in which trust and loyalty are the norm and not the exception.
