Every entrepreneur does not need to be well known in the market, but some of them sure make it on our appreciation list, where their sheer willpower, struggles, and motivation deserve praise. Mark Neilson is one of those very entrepreneurs who have made it and brought a huge difference in their lives, by just working hard and focusing on what they do the best. Interestingly, he is not one of those who have come out from a well-to-do family, but despite that, he has managed to climb up the ladders of success.
Early Life
Starting from his early life, Mark Nielson was from a family where his parents worked day and night to make ends meet. His father was a commercial fisherman by profession and his mother was forced to take up multiple jobs for the family. Judging from the situation he was raised, Mark was not a rebel, but he did rebel against his destiny and rose to a position where people look towards him as an example of success. From an early age itself, he admired people who rose up from ashes like a phoenix, and that was something he held on to bring a transformation in his life as well.
Through several of his interviews, work ethics and his attitude, Mark Neilson always seems to be grateful in life, and this goes back to the days where despite the struggle, the family managed to gather what they required for everyday sustenance. He owes the value of his work ethics to his parents who taught him to work honestly and with all his heart. He figured out that it was necessary to figure out what he liked to do to be successful, instead of going ahead of what he might be able to do.
Being an Entrepreneur
Mark Neilson believes that he has always been an entrepreneur. Recounting his childhood day, he never fails to mention how he has worked to help his family and even himself. His father being a commercial fisherman, he always had the opportunity to help him in the market. Moreover, he usually encourages young or new entrepreneurs by recounting how all of us have always been an entrepreneur – starting from selling lemonades, helping in the store, helping in selling something or even the Christmas tree business.
His simple mantra is to remember that, it doesn’t matter how much or for how long a person has to work since one has to work hard to reach a stage of success. Being an entrepreneur is not always easy since people might think it to be a business of leisure, but in reality, one has to work and fight for what they are worth. He mentions that it is important to remember not to let anyone take you for granted and also not to take others for granted – our self worth as well as the worth for the skill set is a precious gem to take care of, especially in the capitalist market.
Achievements
Mark Neilson has worked in interesting places since his childhood, which has shaped him today. Till the age of 19, he has worked for the family in the family business. Later, he moved to Denmark for 2 years to serve as a missionary for his church. After coming back from Denmark, he joined the insurance industry and this is where he is working till today.
His job within the insurance industry has earned him several achievements including –
2x Monthly Producer Record Holder
3x Founders Club Member
4x Presidents Club Member
7x Gold Club Member
Only Diamond Club Member
Million Dollar Club Member
3x Top 10 Agent in American Income
2013 Producer of the Year
2017 Number Four Manager
2017 AO Leader of the Year
2018 AO Leader of the Year
2018 Number One MGA
2018 Number One Regional Manager
2019 (July) First in AO to gross $1,000,000 in one month
Top Five Weekly Record Holder as a Producer
First in AO Regional to break $7,000,000 in one year
First in AO to net $150,000 in one month as a Producer
First in AO Regional Manager to net $400,000 in production in a week
Named AO Squire
Named AO Knight
AO Rolex Recipient
His most important tip for every entrepreneur is to understand that success is a process which can be achieved not just by working for oneself, but also working for the society.