Mark Bender

Mark Bender is a Program Manager at GE Healthcare and a long-term resident of Greendale. He and his wife, Andrea, have 2 sons who currently attend Greendale High School. Mark serves the Greendale community as an active member of the Lions. You may also know Mark from Upward Basketball (coach 2014-2018 and Commissioner 2017-2019), Cub Scout Pack 506 at College Park Elementary (Pack Leader 2012-2015) and Twi-Nite Baseball (coach 2010-2012). In addition, Mark has served as the Youth Group Leader at Victory of the Lamb Church in Franklin since 2015. Mark’s caring attitude and active involvement as a volunteer has truly had a positive impact in many ways!

 

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?

A: I have been with GE Healthcare for about 10 years in a few different roles. When I came across the Program Manager position and opening, I knew some of the people involved and decided it would be a good match for not only my background, but my personality.

 

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Greendale and what do you love there?

A: I appreciate the Explorium. I really enjoy the beer, the food and the atmosphere. The owner does a great job and gives a lot back to the community.

 

Q: How long have you lived in Greendale?

A: My wife and I moved to Greendale in September of 2004. We have 15 years as residents.

 

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?

A: I’ve been lucky in that through a number of different organizations and group opportunities, I’ve met a lot of interesting people. However, I would say Karyn Birmingham is probably the most interesting person I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.  Another person is Gary Jacobson, who I met years ago through the Lions Club.

 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?  And why?

A: Ireland. I’ve always wanted to go. I love the music. I love the vision of the green. And I enjoy the accents.

 

Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?

A: My all-time favorite movie is Animal House.

 

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?

A: Odds are it’s a crowd because a lot of people want to see or experience the same thing. My advice is: Be courteous of everybody else. You’re not the only one there. Let’s make sure that everybody gets to enjoy it.

 

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: A European river cruise.

 

Q: What is your favorite music and/or 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

A: I just had the opportunity to see Barenaked Ladies again the other day and they put on a fantastic show. I would like to have experienced a Beatles show or an Elvis show just to see the reactions of the people.

 

Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?

A: I really miss the old Reiman Visitors Center. When we were looking for a house, we stopped in there and spoke with them. They gave us some good tips on the area. It just seemed like a storefront that offered a lot of background into the area.

 

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?

A: I really love the community feel. The downtown village area brings a lot of that together. I think it’s important for a community to have a central focal point.

 

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

A: Still in Greendale. But at that point, getting ready to retire hopefully and perhaps looking for a warmer climate.

 

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: I bartended for a number of years in college and after school when I had moved to Milwaukee. I bartended at Miller Park for the first two years the stadium was open.

 

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Comfort, safety and familiarity.

 

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?

A: Ever since I met Halle Berry at the Pick & Save on the east side of Milwaukee, I thought we would connect well in a movie. I really did meet her there!

 

Q: If you had a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

A: I definitely could use the physical fitness trainer, but my wife and I would appreciate a housekeeper the most.

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