Last Tuesday, April 14th, Wayne County CEO students had the opportunity to meet and engage with Mark Black, owner of Men in White Painting in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Mark also serves as Vice President of the Jefferson County CEO program.

During his visit, Mark shared his passion for business, which began at an early age. At just eight years old, he was inspired after reading a Berenstain Bears book about a young bear earning money by helping neighbors. That early spark led him to start his own lawn care business at age 13—an endeavor he successfully grew and eventually sold by the time he was 17.

Mark spoke with students about the important distinctions between a job and a career, as well as the differences between working for someone else and owning a small business. He emphasized the value of profitability over simply staying busy, offering practical insights drawn from his own entrepreneurial journey.

Students benefited from a dynamic roundtable discussion led by Mark, where he asked thoughtful questions, encouraged conversation, and shared real-world examples from his business experience. His visit came at a meaningful time as students prepare for their upcoming trade show, making the experience especially impactful.

We are grateful to Mark for making the trip to Wayne City and investing his time and knowledge in our students.