Mark grew up in a kinship placement and was emancipated at 16, taking on the responsibilities of adulthood much earlier than most. Forced to learn how to survive and navigate life on his own, he developed a strong work ethic and resilience from a young age. Mark rarely celebrates holidays or special occasions, having never had the luxury of those milestones during his childhood. Instead, he focused on getting by, making sure each day counted, and building the foundation for a future he could control. Now, he runs his own remodeling and landscaping business, which he’s working hard to grow. His dedication to his craft and his ability to problem-solve has earned him a reputation for quality and dependability, though the business is still in its early stages. While Mark is driven and independent, he often struggles with work-life balance and emotional distance. Years of self-reliance have made it hard for him to open up or rely on others, and he rarely takes time for personal celebrations. Though he finds satisfaction in his work and personal projects, Mark is slowly learning to appreciate the importance of relationships and taking moments to enjoy life beyond business. His long-term goals are to expand his company and eventually build a team of employees who share his values while also finding more personal fulfillment and connection.