Speakers

Born in the summer of 1979 in Athens, Alabama, Mark White’s beginnings weren’t idea, but that was remedied by two grandparents who were willing to raise him as their own. Being a part of a preacher’s home meant living in various places around the state of Alabama and traveling across the country and the world. Those experiences had a profound affect on Mark and his desire to connect with people. After opening a tortilla/tortilla chip factory and restaurant in 2005, Mark was immersed in business promotion and network marketing. Great marketing led to his Blanco’s Chips being found in approximately 160 grocery-type stores and specialty shops in four states, including Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi. Mark found a way to get his product into the hands of recognizable figures such as former President George W. Bush, football Coach Gene Stallings, Governor Bob Riley, Earl Thomas Conley, Author Kathryn Tucker Windom, Singer/Songwriter Merle Haggard, and many others. The Blanco’s Chips were featured in Southern Living Magazine in 2008 and were featured in many publications and television and radio programs throughout its existence. Also in 2008, Mark was selected as Businessperson of the Year by the Athens-Limestone (Alabama) County Chamber of Commerce and were named “The Best Chips in Alabama” by the Alabama Senate. Blanco’s Chips were part of the Buy Alabama’s Best program and were the official Chips of The University of North Alabama Athletics. In 2010, the business closed its doors. At 30 years old, Mark was presented with a choice, stop or move forward. He chose to move forward. It took some time to find direction and purpose, but through his previous experiences as a police officer, factory worker, sales representative, tourism director, and business owner, a writer/blogger, and an opportunity to join Applebee’s Tailgate Talk as a co-host, Mark found a way to merge his passion for people into his own radio show called The Mark White Show. Since its first air date of November 3, 2017, The Mark White Show has grown in every aspect. Mark has continued to utilize his networking and marketing ability to move an effort much bigger than chips, by recognizing those who are making a difference and encouraging others to do the same. The show also uses its reach to share efforts for others who are needing assistance. True to his previous methods, Mark has received endorsements from Comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Musician Ricky Skaggs, Coach Gene Stallings, Betty Lynn of The Andy Griffith Show, and many others. The show has found a home at several radio stations across the state of Alabama. Currently, the show can be heard on WVNN in Athens, WGOL in Russellville, and WRMG in Red Bay. With streaming and podcasting, The Mark White Show has listeners across the world. In April, 11 years after receiving Business Person of the Year from the same organization, Mark also received Citizen of the Year from the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce. It was at that moment that Mark realized he had “come back.” With a focus on helping people and making a difference in the lives of others, Mark now has a “product” with an unlimited shelf life. The message is that doors open by doing. Have ideas, but be ready to adapt and overcome.