Remembering Don Marks...
Over the weekend, Don Marks, Badcock’s president and CEO from 1998 to 2008, passed away after a hard fought battle with cancer. For those of you fortunate enough to have known him, you know what an asset he was not only to Badcock, but to the industry at large. Even after his recent retirement, Don played an active role in the company via his position as valued member of Badcock’s Board of Directors.
Often, when someone comes into to this business from another industry, they never seem to gain the status on an industry insider.
This was never the case with Don. As someone who hit the ground running, Don made his mark on Badcock and the industry in short order.
At Badcock, Marks quickly helped the retailer hone its image and focus. In fact, as he helped the retaier create a new and updated store concept, those who worked with him say he has the driving force who put the “more” in Badcock Home Furniture & more.
Don also quickly and effectively embraced our industry. He served on the American Furntiure Hall of Fame and was also recently recognized as Retaielr of the Year by the National Home Furniture Association.
Don, who had a longtime love affair with drag racing, often traveled all over the country in order to race. I think he brought the skills needed to drag race–great timing, a willingness to take calculated risks and a passion for winning–to Badcock.
While he will be genuinely missed, I know he is in a better place.
Like the apostle Paul, Don earned the right to say, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”
Mandy Druce (Nash) commented:
Lost touch with the Marks' family as an unfortunate casualty of a divorce, and miss them all so much. Don was a lovely human being, and I benefitted from both working with him, and from his friendship in past years.
My thoughts are with you Teena, Jamie & Don Jr.
Tom Shay commented:
I am one of the fortunate individuals that got to know Don. I looked forward to seeing him at church on Sunday morning and asking for his insight. He was a Christian, a gentleman, a kind and giving person, and one that gave so much to so many. He will be missed by many and many are better off from what he has done and by simply getting to know him.
Jamie Marks commented:
My mother and I just read this, and wanted to let you know how touched we were by it. It was a light in these dark times. My father was indeed an incredible man, and I wanted to say publicly that all of the wonderful things we have heard about him in professional settings were also true of him as a father. He was amazing to all of us. Thank you for this.
