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Mark always has something to say...

Click on a link below to hear Mark's radio/TV interviews Interview on WFIN, Findlay, Ohio - September 5, 2007 Interview on 4 Renda Stations, Jacksonville, FL - August 26, 2007 Interview on CBS47 & FOX30, Jacksonville, FL - May 12, 2008 Interview on KTRS, St. Louis, MO - June 24, 3008 Blog Talk Radio with Zelda, the Bounce Back Guru To learn a little more about what Mark does, click on a link below to hear one of Mark's call-ins to WJXR 92.1 FM 3-13-08 (4 min.s) ** 3-17-08 (12 min.s) ** 3-27-07 (8.75 min.s) 4-1-08 (9.25 min.s) ** 4-4-08 (9 min.s) ** 4-7-08 (10.5 min.s)

Gold Star Blog

June 1 , 2009 - Mark completes 5-week Junior Achievement program
Today I finished the final session of a 5-week Junior Achievement volunteer program at Crown Point Elementary where my son Zach is in 1st grade. We learned about "Our Families" and the jobs we do to earn money to buy needs and wants. What a great class (pictured below). This was my third JA event - there will be more. I highly recommend volunteering with Junior Achievement to anyone interested. Simply contact Junior Achievement or Rita Story at 904-398-9944. Also, HURRICANE SEASON begins today! Be prepared, and be safe!

 

May 27 , 2009 - Gold Star Booth at Chamber Business & Career Expo
Another great Jacksonville Business Expo, this time with a career fair as well. This one seemed even busier than last year. Maybe it was because our booth was across from Kilwin's Chocolates & Ice Cream, and next to Office Depot. Anyway, we met lots of people, educated them on Gold Star, and even found a few interested in becoming adjusters. Special thanks to Dean Sais for setting up and assisting me, and congrats to Amanda Hines from Colo 5 for winning the drawing for a signed copy of my book, Uncovered.

December 21 , 2008 - Mark completes Jacksonville Bank 1/2 Marathon
In a snail-stomping 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 25 seconds, I completed my first-ever 1/2 marathon. The first 8 or 9 miles really wasn't bad, but the last 2 to 3 were pretty rough. I can't imagine how anyone does the full marathon, but I hope to find out. I was supposed to run the full marathon myself, but heel injuries and a respiratory infection kept me from training much the last 2 months, and is probably why I thought I was dying when I finished the 1/2. For those that ran with the King of Claims, congratulations! Hey, what can I say? Like my friends at River City Signs always say, "a business with no sign, is a sign of no business!"

August 12, 2008 - Mark is named Mandarin Council's 2009 Small Business Leader
Out of all the worthy business leaders in the Jacksonville Chamber's Mandarin Council, what a great honor to be named the 2009 Small Business Leader of the Year. I will be competing against 9 other council's nominees for the overall Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Small Business Leader of the Year which provides some unique opportunities like, a one-year term on the Chamber's Board of Governors, a one-year Chamber Trustee Membership, and a seat on the Chamber's annual Leadership trip. I'm looking for ways to use my nomination to help other small business owners, so send me your ideas!

 

July 8, 2008 - Ed Banker Interviews Mark on AM 1460, WZNZ
Another great experience at WZNZ, this time with Ed Banker. We talked about t-ball, and of course, insurance, and gave away more copies of my book to callers. As his audience must know, Ed is a well-rounded and real sharp cookie! Here we are in the studio...

 

June 25, 2008 - Breakfast with "America's Voice of Home Improvement"
What a treat to have breakfast at the University Club with Local Applause and Glenn Boyles, "America's Voice of Home Improvement". The event was hosted by David and Dawn Josephson from The Growth Coach. Check out Glenn's latest venture, The Prestige Gold Card. Upon hearing about it, I became an instant Merchant!

 

June 24, 2008 - Mark is Interviewed on KTRS Radio
As the Mississippi continues to overflow its banks and towns large and small are being flooded, the Vic and Katy Show at 550-KTRS in St. Louis, MO called me to discuss my book, and help their audience make the most of this devastating event. Click HERE for the interview.

 

May 15 , 2008 - 'Down-To-Business' Andy Johnson Interviews Mark on AM 1460, WZNZ
What a day! I started with a 6.1 mile run (almost 10K) in 1:10:54, then recorded a spot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA - aka 'Jerry's Kids') - this was graciously donated by Andy Johnson and WZNZ, and capped it off with an hour-long on-air interview by Andy Johnson himself. We talked about insurance, who needs it, why, and told some real-life claim stories. We took a few phone calls, and gave away some copies of my book to callers. A great experience! Andy really cares for the people of Jacksonville. See his website, and say 'NO!' to the unnecessary taxes on garbage and storm water. Below is a photo of me and Andy doing the show.

 

May 14 , 2008 - Mark completes Junior Achievement series at Crown Point Elementary
Today I finished my 5 part series volunteering with Junior Achievement to introduce working, earning, money, saving and spending concepts to 2 Kindergarten classes at Crown Point Elementary. What a great time we all had. The kids were well behaved and really soaked in the information, which was well timed with their normal curriculum. This was my second JA event, and I'm sure there will be more. I highly recommend volunteering with Junior Achievement to anyone interested. Simply contact Junior Achievement or Rita Story at 904-398-9944.

May 12 , 2008 - Meteorologist Mike Buresh interviews Mark for CBS 47 and FOX 30 Hurricane Special
I was thrilled to have Mike Buresh include me in his hurricane special that will begin running on May 30 on the two newstations he works for, CBS 47 and FOX 30. I don't know how much will air (probably only a few minutes), but we taped for about 20 minutes, and Mike was great. He even wrote about it in his blog. Here we are in the studio. To see the segment, click HERE.

April 4, 2008 - 3rd Annual Captain Chuck Cornett 10K Run at Jax NAS
I just finished my first ever 10K run in 1:16:29. Not a very good running time, but OK for my first real race, and only the 2nd time running over 4 miles in well over a decade. It was a nice morning to run - though I'm not used to getting up at 6am to run over an hour. And I came very close to winning a new pair of running shoes. I'm looking for other 10Ks to run before trying a half-marathon - but my goal is a full marathon later this year.

April 2, 2008 - Gold Star Exhibits at Jacksonville Business Expo 2008
I had a great time showing off Gold Star in my booth at the Prime Osbourn Convention Center. I met hundreds of people - some were other vendors, and others simply attending the Expo to see local businesses. It was a long day though, 8am to 7pm, but I really enjoyed meeting folks and letting them know what I do. In case you missed it, here is a picture of me with my new signs, freshly printed by River City Sign Company - the signs looked great, and got a lot of compliments. I hope to see even more of you there next year!

March 25, 2008 - Mark Attends University Club Lunch Featuring 'Biggest Loser' Runner-Up Julie Hadden
I was invited to lunch by Sheryl Lynn, CEO and visionary of Local Applause at the University Club, a beautiful private club overlooking Jacksonville's downtown. This event was sponsored by The Business Alliance Club. If you are doing business in Jacksonville, you really need to take a look at Local Applause and the The Business Alliance Club at University Club. Julie tells a very touching story of her dramatic weight loss, and even gave me some pointers on running (one of my goals this year is to run a marathon). You never know who you're going to bump into at these networking events. I met some great people, including the parents of a teammate from my son's last t-ball team. Small world! Here is a picture of Sheryl Lynn and Julie Hadden.





March 15, 2008 - Mark Participates in Local Authors Panel
We had our local authors panel today at the Deerwood Branch of the Jacksonville Library System, an event sponsored by the Jacksonville Authors Association, planned by Roger Kuder. The turnout was less than we hoped for, but the authors were all very interesting, those who attended had some great questions about writing and publishing, and I got to meet some great people and sell and sign a few books. Thanks Roger, for putting this event together, I'd love to do it again! Here are a few photos....

February 16 , 2008 - Gold Star Attends Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair
Armor Bearer, Inc., Senator Anthony Hill, and David Kossak of The Kossak Companies, presented the "Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair" from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on February 16, 2008. The main goal of the health fair was to educate the community on the dangers of lead based paint in homes and the effect on children. There was plenty of free food, drinks, prizes, information for parents, and lead testing for children. Armor Bearer is a non-profit community based organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Jacksonville's children. I was surprised and proud to receive a plaque for my part in promoting this very worthwhile event. Please stay tuned to this website for announcements of future events benefitting Jacksonville's kids, or armorbearerinc.org.



January 29, 2008 - UNCOVERED Is Listed As "Cool Book of the Day"
The book UNCOVERED was named "Cool Book of the Day" by Dan Janal. Click here to see the interview-style review, and a link to purchase from Amazon.com for only $12.95 (+Shipping). This is a great price, but here's an even better deal -- go to my shopping cart page for the book, and get it for only $10.00, and shipping is FREE!



January 27, 2008 - See Times-Union Article on Local Authors Panel
The Jacksonville Times-Union ran an article today in the Lifestyles section noting an upcoming Local Authors Panel. Mark will be a part of this panel on March 15, 2008, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Southeast branch of the Jacksonville Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd. Click here to see the article, and be sure to come by and visit us at this free event put on by the Jacksonville Authors Association, planned by Roger Kuder.



January 18, 2008 - Gold Star and Principal Financial Group Present Workshop
Mark teamed up with Randy and Larry of Principal to present two important, informative workshops to the residents of the Avistele' community. Principal's presentation was on "Protecting Your Financial Future", and Gold Star's presentation was on "Insurance Basics". To see the presentation, click here (PowerPoint needed).



December 19, 2007 - Armor Bearer, Inc. to host Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair
Today I met with the board of Armor Bearer, Inc., Senator Anthony Hill, and David Kossak of The Kossak Companies, to discuss plans for an upcoming "Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair" from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on February 16, 2008. The main goal of the health fair is to educate the community on the dangers of lead based paint in homes and the effect on children. Armor Bearer is a non-profit community based organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Jacksonville's children. David Kossak is known and respected for his volunteer and charity work. Senator Hill is graciously working to assist in the effort with his many contacts and considerable experience in organizing events. Gold Star has been asked to participate by presenting information at the fair. Stay tuned to this blog, contact Mark, or visit www.armorbearerinc.org in the coming weeks for additional information, or to contribute (volunteer or donations) to Armor Bearer.

David Kossak and Mark Goldwich meet to help Armor Bearer
host Lead Poisoning Prevention Health Fair in February 2008.

November 30, 2007 - Hurricane Season Ends, Another Begins
Today, November 30, 2007, officially marks the end of Hurricane Season, and Florida has again defied the odds.

While this is great news for us as property owners, we should not allow this to let our guard down. As temperatures drop (except in Al Gore's universe), a new disaster season begins - that of home fires. Whether from space heaters, fireplaces, candles, Christmas tree lights, cooking accidents, or a variety of other sources, the end of hurricane season seems to mark the beginning of home fire season.

Just as you did (hopefully) for hurricane season, make sure you have a plan for fire season. Plan for detecting fires, putting out fires, escape routes, alternative meeting locations, calling assignments, disaster kits (for people and animals), temporary living, disaster cash, and of course, plans for documenting your claim to your insurance company.

Did you know that it is your responsibility to prove to the insurance company what you owned when your home burns to the ground? You may have $100,000 in contents coverage, but you only get paid for what you can remember and what you can PROVE you owned. Consider photographing, filming and listing all your possessions, or at least your most valuable ones, and keep copies in more than one location and/or in a fire and waterproof safe.

Not all disasters come with names and media coverage - or warning. The best time to be prepared is ALWAYS!

 

November 22, 2007 - Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It is Sunday afternoon, and the last of family we had in from out of town are gone. As my wife says, "we survived". Actually, we did much better. We thrived. We had family and friends over for Thanksgiving dinner, we shared stories and laughs. They got to see our 2 beautiful children. We have so much to be thankful for! Now, if we can just survive Christmas.....

 

November 6, 2007 - Mark Volunteers With Junior Achievement
Mark volunteered at Pine Forest Elementary School, along with pro golfer Fred Funk and a number of other volunteers, as part of a PGA/Junior Achievement project to teach elementary school students a program on Regions and Resources - a course on basic economics. Mark presented to Ms. Moore's 4th grade class, a wonderful group of bright and curious students. It was a great experience - right down to the cafeteria lunch that brought back so many memories.

November 1, 2007 - Mark Speaks to Homeowners Group
Mark spoke to the board members of Coachman Meadows on Thursday, November 1st, providing a free presentation of insurance that will not be found anywhere else. Mark gives details from 20 years as an insurance 'insider'. Topics included: What is a Public Adjuster?, Little-known Homeowners Insurance Facts, The Truth About Insurance Industry Profits, Who Really Pays For Flood Damage?, Insurance Industry Lobby Power, and Ten Commandments of Claims. The presentation was well received, with great questions and discussion. To schedule your free presentation (in the Jacksonville, FL area), contact Mark at 904-704-2200.

October 24, 2007 - California Fires Are A Reminder
With all the coverage of the California fires recently, we should all be reminded how fast your life can be turned upside down. There is not always time to plan. Plan now. Plan your escape (routes, emergency kit, possessions to take), plan with saving (for hotel, food, gas and other necessities), plan with lists (what to take, who to call, list possessions), secure important documents or copies (keep one copy away from home). Plan with proper insurance. Even if disasters can't be avoided, the long-term effects, burden and grief can be minimized with effective planning. Check out www.RedCross.org for tips on preparedness.



October 1, 2007 - Mark speaks to Eagle Bend Island Homeowners Association
Mark spoke with a nice group of homeowners in a beautiful subdivision near the Florida-Georgia line. As seems to be the case with most people in NE Florida, none of the attendees were familiar with public adjusters, and learned a great deal from the insurance discussion. Subjects discussed included: reasons to use public adjusters, benefits based on actual cases, huge insurance industry profits in recent years, flood insurance, No-Fault insurance replacement options, and much more.

September 26, 2007 - Mark delivers keynote speach to Arlinton Council
Mark had the honor of speaking to the Arlington Council of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at their monthly breakfast. A great group of professionals. Topics included hurricane preparedness - not just water, canned food and batteries, but from the long-term, before and after, insurance perspective only Mark could detail - and the sunsetting of Florida's No-Fault insurance law. With a couple of insurance agents and even a politician in the room, this made for some interesting discussion.

September 20, 2007 - Florida's 'No-Fault' Law to Sunset on October 1, 2007
Drivers should contact their auto insurance agent prior to their next renewal to ensure they have appropriate medical and liability coverage should this law sunset without a legislative remedy. Click here to read an article on the subject. (Launches a new browser)

August 18, 2007 - Gold Star Adjusters in the news!
Mark was recently featured in a "Florida Times-Union" article. Click here to read the article in a PDF. (Launches a new browser)

... And Then the Reporter Wanted to Learn More!
It's not often a veteran reporter decides that learning more after finishing a story would be a good idea. As a result of her interview, Times-Union correspondent Kay B. Day read Mark's book "UNCOVERED: What REALLY Happens After The Storm, Flood, Earthquake or Fire."

She reflects on her own negative insurance experience in her blog posting, "Times-Union 'My Sun' Story Might Save You a Bundle if Disaster Strikes and Damages Your Property," and how Mark's book gave her valuable money-saving insights should she experience damage in the future. Click here to read Ms. Day's blog. (Launches a new browser)