Meet Mark Collier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Collier.

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Chicago native and I have now lived in Atlanta for the past 20 plus years. Atlanta is my adopted home but my Chicago sports teams, especially my Chicago Bears will ALWAYS own my heart (smile). I completed my undergrad at Roosevelt University in Chicago and my MBA at Tulane University in New Orleans. I have lived in Atlanta for the past 20 years and I have always had a passion for small businesses which led me to my current profession as a Business Consultant at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) and I have been in my current role for the past 4 years and I absolutely LOVE working with the Atlanta area small businesses.  I am also so very pleased to be able to use my media platform as host for The Playbook business show on ASBN to advance small business growth and development. I very much enjoy featuring Atlanta business success stories on my business show.

Alright, 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?
Smooth road? Absolutely, lady luck ran me a warm soapy bath and greeted me with a warm kiss on the mouth each and every day. I am just kidding. I, like many others, have had more than my share of life struggles but my stubborn faith in God’s word and promises have sustained me through the valleys of life. I have had both career and personal hurdles but I know that in life both the good and the bad experiences help shape and prepare you for greater things ahead.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is two-fold but certainly both endeavors are compliments to one another. I serve the small business community of greater Atlanta in my role as a public service faculty member and business consultant at the UGA SBDC by delivering high-value consulting services to business owners. I specialize in strategic planning and operational efficiency and I use my knowledge, skills and abilities to drive greater profitability for Georgia businesses which enhances the economic well-being for all Georgians. My other role is media-related as business show host for The Playbook on The Atlanta Small Business Network. My media platform allows me to showcase emerging entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners and resource experts all of which deliver relevant information to my audience. I view my media exposure as important in two respects, the first being the economic development aspect. More importantly though, I am African American and I am of the opinion that it is vitally important for more African Americans to have their ideas, opinions and perspectives voiced and valued in areas outside of sports and entertainment. I want to see more African Americans host media programs in the areas of business, law, medicine, etc. because we have so much more to offer than sports and entertainment.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Atlanta is an amazing and diverse city with great restaurants, entertainment and music. What I like best about the city of Atlanta is the fact that it is one of the leading cities for African American entrepreneurship. I view entrepreneurship as a pivotal component to addressing economic disparities. What I like least about my adopted hometown of Atlanta is the lack of authentic Chicago style pizza! (smile)