MARK Frier
Favorite Part of Job: I have always enjoyed entertaining and now it’s part of my job. I love trying to come up with ways to improve our businesses and then see the results, positive or negative.
Most Inspiring Mentor: My father was a big inspiration with his business sense of mind. My step grandmother is a serial entrepreneur and she was a huge influence in my decision to try small business ownership.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I have only read maybe 5 books in my entire life. I know, it sounds terrible. I blame the internet, which I do read obsessively.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I recently took up sailing and Lake Champlain is an amazing escape.
Favorite downtime activity: I have been trying to ride mountain bikes more in the summer. Recently I got a chance to check out the Burke area and was really impressed.
Favorite Social Media: I would say Snapchat, like I know what I am talking about, but I still can’t figure it out how to use it for my businesses.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: George Martin from Citizen Cider would be up there on my list. Maybe Eric Warnstedt from Hen of the Wood would want to join us for taters at Nectars.
What is the best career advice you have received? Hire people that are better than you for the roles needed. I have been fortunate to employ some great people.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? As I get more familiar with the challenges we face as a State, I would like to get more involved at a State level. I want to see Vermont grow and thrive, we need to figure out how to diversify our employment options and control spending.
Career Hightlights:
The Bench Restaurant – Partner/Manager, 2014-Present
The Reservoir – Restaurant and Tap Room – Partner/Manager, 2009-Present
Hands Off My Cheese LLC – Owner –Vermont real estate investment and development company. Renovated parts of an historic building in downtown Waterbury
Community Involvement:
-Selectboard member for the town of Waterbury
-Board member of the new Revitalizing Waterbury Economic Development
-Board member for the Waterbury Area Trail Alliance which maintains the local recreation trails
-Involved in the clean-up in Waterbury after Irene
-Developed an economic development plan for Waterbury through FEMA post Irene
-Helped start and sat on the board of the Waterbury Economic Development Corporation
-Acted as VP and treasurer of the Waterbury Tourism Council
-Member of the Revitalizing Waterbury
-Play for The Reservoir Softball team and the Waterbury Ultimate Frisbee League
-Started a community donation program at both restaurants