Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Anthony Russell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in technology began in the U.S. Navy where I served five years as a Fire Control Technician onboard the USS Pennsylvania submarine. An auxiliary task for my department was to maintain the submarine’s intranet. This introduced me to HTML and CSS. A few years later, while attending Clark Atlanta University pursuing a degree in business administration, I began to teach myself how to code using JavaScript. Eventually, I landed a few small freelance clients which increased my yearly income substantially, grew a beard, and gave birth to the brand, thebeardedtek. For two years, I worked exclusively as an entrepreneur software developer and voluntary instructor at several high schools in the Atlanta area.
I re-entered the workforce when online freelancing opportunities plummeted. After working for several large corporations, and a few tech start-ups, I landed an excellent position with the UK powerhouse, Telrock Systems; developing a complex collections and recovery software application, Optimus. It was in this position that I stopped turning a blind eye and began to “accept” the reality that was my life in technology; the reality that as a black man, I am an extremely rare commodity. Most engineering departments are a mixture of white and Asian (men). In 4 out of my last five positions, I’ve been the only black engineer; in one case, the only black man period. While this may not shock anyone living in Boston or San Francisco…I live in predominantly black Atlanta.
For this reason, I resurrected thebeardedtek brand and began to voluntarily teach computer science at Forest Park High School (99% minority) at the suggestion of senior instructor Rhonda Carpenter-Powell. At FP, I work closely with a group of young adults, teaching them a mixture of computer programming and leadership skills. My end goal is to raise awareness of the lack of minorities and equip those future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to break out of financial hardship and reap the benefits of a very rewarding industry.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to engineering as a black man is extremely difficult, unfortunately, by design. I realize that I am generalizing here but most blacks are not raised to become engineers. Often times, we are driven down the sports, music, fast food, nursing, and cosmetology paths. Blacks only make up roughly 3% of the tech industry in the U.S. In addition to cultural issues minorities face at home, the industry itself does not readily accept blacks as equals in technology. If you view my resume, specifically my name, accolades, and positions held, you would assume that I am a white American male. Countless times I’ve arrived for an interview only to watch my interviewers smile turn to a frown upon seeing my dark, melanin-infused skin. Please allow me to say the word “countless” again. I’d love to pinpoint a few but I’ll play nice today.
So yes, there are two primary obstacles; the lack of opportunities afforded to minorities because of senior managers not accepting them as equals and the lack of interest and knowledge of this industry and its benefits due to cultural challenges.
Please tell us about Thebeardedtek.
My brand, thebeardedtek, develops and markets mobile and web applications primarily for entrepreneurs and small businesses on iOS, Android, and traditional Web devices. My team of four has developed a reputation for helping minority businesses establish a digital presence at an affordable cost without sacrificing quality. I leverage this platform to educate minority adults and children about the power and importance of technology. Creating mobile apps and websites partially funds my voluntary, charitable ventures. I’m most proud of the dual purpose of thebeardedtek; to aid small businesses and introduce minorities to the world of technology.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Road trips to Texarkana, TX every other year for the family reunion and hearing stories about my mother’s non-Christian days from cousins Audrey and Earl. The ideal vacation for most is some Caribbean destination. My ideal vacation is flying home to Dallas, TX and gathering my nieces and nephews together for pizza and movie night. I’m a HUGE family man.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1845 Piedmont Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30324 - Website: https://thebeardedtek.com
- Email: mark@thebeardedtek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeardedtek
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeardedtek
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebeardedtek
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-anthony-russell1981
Image Credit:
ShotByDre Studios
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