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Employee Spotlight:
D5 Business Operations Manager Mark Porter

“WORK! So you can do what you love with the ones you love,” says Mark Porter. ITD’s District 5 Business Operations Manager is a man with no shortage of work ethic...or hobbies.

Born and raised in Pocatello, Mark grew up knowing if you want it, you have to work for it. Porter's three brothers and three sisters reside all over the United States. His mother worked and retired from Key Bank in Pocatello, and his father owned Porter Construction in Salt Lake City, Utah.

When Mark was in college, he had met Teri at the Metro Health Spa, eventually marrying in 1995. They lived in Pocatello for a short while until he graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Business Administration and Finance, and then moved soon to Utah to work with his father. Soon after, the company name changed to Porter & Sons Construction, focusing on building homes, buildings and anything else they could get their hands on.

Mark grew up enjoying the outdoors and getting his hands dirty. Working his way through school, he worked for what used to be Scott’s Ski & Sports, tuning skis in Pocatello. Enjoying every aspect of skiing, Mark fine-tuned his skills, eventually becoming a professional and a world cup ski tuner. He continues to work for Barry’s Ski Shop in Pocatello on occasion to keep up his skills and teach others the lost art.

In 2001, Mark’s father passed away and he chose to move back to Pocatello with his family to take care of his mother and raise his two sons. Ridge, 19, and Easton, 18, are both currently enrolled at ISU and share many of Mark's passions.

Throughout the years, Mark has picked up many different hobbies and side jobs. He still has his construction business, Porter Built Inc., where he does many volunteer jobs. Mark also rents out his equipment to trusted friends and clients on occasion.

When the economic markets sank in 2008, Mark decided to take a step back from construction and went to work for ITD. Starting out in maintenance as a Transportation Tech. Operator in Island Park, he performed many different jobs in multiple locations. He decided to come back to Pocatello and do something different. Porter took the Business Operations Manager position soon after to better utilize his degree and talents.

Mark has met some amazing people at ITD, and has some awesome stories to tell — one in particular really illustrates what Porter is all about:

About five years ago, Porter's good friend, Shane, came to him with a little favor. Shane’s father works for Vermont Sports Car back east where the owner has a crew that races rally cars, in particular. So one day, Shane’s father asked him if he knew someone reliable who had a CDL to drive the transport semis. Shane immediately thought of Mark.

“Hey, they need a driver," Shane said. "You wanna come with me? They pay for everything!”

Mark jumped at the opportunity. He has been a relief transport driver for Vermont Sports Car ever since.

Over the past several years, Mark has gotten to know the crew, drivers and mechanics well. He lends a helping hand when he is not driving.

“A Subaru motor is a four-opposing-cylinder motor, and when the mechanics are done with it, that motor can produce over 600 horepower…which is amazing for a Subaru!” said Mark, “It’s fun to be around and be a part of!”

Mark can’t get enough of it, and he constantly looks for more. He also knows that comes with a price.

In order to keep his passion for skiing affordable, he also volunteers his time and equipment clearing runs, trees and doing maintenance for the Pebble Creek Ski area in trade for ski passes in Pocatello.

There is no doubt Mark lives an eventful life, loves what he does and is passionate about it all. He always has a kind and insightful word for anyone who asks. One of Mark’s favorites is, “No one owes you anything, if you want it, you need to earn it. Throw yourself out there, try new things and have an open mind!”