Mark Lacek

Mark Lacek Email and Phone Number

Working on a New Start-Up Dream(s) @ Cascade Reading
Mark Lacek's Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, United States
Mark Lacek's Contact Details
About Mark Lacek

A Wisconsin kid who took risks, worked hard, and got lucky. Mistakes, made them all. Regrets, not many. And, in spite of it all have been blessed with a great family, great friends, great experiences and even a few successful business ventures.. Life has been one big adventure and I know first hand that the world is an amazing place. There is magic in stepping out of your comfort zone and trying to create something from nothing other than an idea. That's what has gotten me out of bed all my life and I hope I never stop being curious or wondering what is over the next hill. And, all we have is time and none of us knows how much. I don't intend to waste it. Goals? Yes, pretty simple, I just want to be a good Dad and achieve some level of relevancy by doing things that actually matter . Anything less and I've wasted my time here on earth.The stuff below is history but I'm proud of the adventures and experiences of my journey so far. All that really matters is what we do today and I firmly believe that what resides over the next hill is worth the climb.The only thing I know for sure in this crazy life is I feel like the luckiest guy in the world and my girls, my precious babies who have grown up too fast, are my greatest blessing. Everything else is simply a bonus. I think we all spend our lives trying to figure out what our purpose is during our short time on earth. And, though I don't know the answer, the one purpose I know to be true is to help raise two kids who become great human beings. So far so good.

Mark Lacek's Current Company Details
Cascade Reading

Cascade Reading

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Working on a New Start-Up Dream(s)
Mark Lacek Work Experience Details
  • Cascade Reading
    Co-Founder
    Cascade Reading Aug 2019 - Present
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Cascade Reading has created a new way to read that increases one's comprehension. We have applied science to the way text is formatted which has not been done since literacy was created in 3000 BC. Everything in the world has changed but the way we read has remained static. At Cascade we assembled a worldclass team of PhD's in linguistics and then matched them with NLP (natural language processing) systems upon which we applied our own proprietary algorithm. Our algorithm parses text into a cascading format that makes text less threatening by spacing and creating more white spaces that reduces the stress of reading.When reading in the Cascade format one simply comprehends more. Their test scores increase as does their confidence and their ability to become true readers. Our research has proven that regardless of age or even nationality, Cascade can help you become a better reader and retain more of what you have read. It is as simple and compelling as that. Here is a link to our informational video, our press release (in Media below) and the link to our website:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTQI7bM22Tkwww.cascadereading.comWe hope you too can see the value of providing a new way to read as our nation's academic scores have plummeted since the pandemic and Cascade is a way to help reverse those trends.
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  • My Circle (Currently In Development)
    President And Founder
    My Circle (Currently In Development) Oct 2022 - Present
    Minneapolis, Mn
    My-Circle.com is an iOs and Android application that allows a person to create their own social network with no followers, friend requests, no ads and no stealing of personal information. A user has 5 circles in which they can choose to put anyone they want in their personal network. The Circles start with your Inner Circle (5 people); My 25 (your 25 closest friends); Friends; Acquaintances and Let Go (taking away the guilt of leaving people who no longer bring you joy or take time from the other more important Circles). The My-Circle app is supported by the book I wrote, "So, Who Is In Your Circle?". This book teaches you how to decide which Circle a friend should reside. The book is based on a simple philosophy based on, 1. One has limited time on this earth so spend it with the people who matter most; 2. Don't waste time with those who bring little joy or better your life; and 3. Judge your friends on three criteria.. trust, loyalty and respect. The book is avaialble on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. More about the app and book is available on my-circle.com
  • Faith'S Lodge
    Board Chairman Emeritus And Co-Founder
    Faith'S Lodge 2006 - Present
    Minneapolis
    A Lodge in NW Wisconsin where families who have lost a child or have a child with a life threatening illness can retreat, reflect and renew their hope with families in similar situations. Created in honor of my daughter, Faith Ann, who died at birth on June 5, 2000. Through 2020 Faith's Lodge has served over 4000 families and over 8500 individuals. Strategic partners with Ronald McDonald House of the Midwest (www.faithslodge.org).
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  • Accessible360
    Chairman
    Accessible360 Jul 2018 - Dec 2020
    Minneapolis, Mn
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  • Accessible 360 (A360)
    President And Co-Founder
    Accessible 360 (A360) Oct 2016 - Jul 2018
    Minneapolis
    Chosen as ONE OF MINNESOTA'S TOP 100 COMPANIES TO WORK FOR in 2017. At A360 we are focused on our clients’ websites and applications with a focus on accessibility in compliance with the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act). ADA regulations now apply to the digital world (e.g. websites) just as they have in the physical environment for years. "Accessibility" is a substantial issue today with many companies receiving demand letters or lawsuits identifying their non-compliance. We can help you avoid this legal action and the negative public relations that seems to accompany same. Making your website accessible for all is also the right thing to do and simply best for your business.One in five Americans has some form of disability as recognized by the ADA. Our goal is to make our clients' websites accessible to ALL regardless of whether one has a disability or not. Our technologists have been making sites compliant since the 1990’s and we have a superior set of comprehensive capabilities to provide website accessibility services.In December of 2020 we were acquired by TBase of Ottawa, Canada and their private equity firm, Thompson Street Capital Partners of St Louis, MO.. The combined companies will provide any corporate client the full range of accessibility services possible with world class technology and a broad and experienced staff including many with disabilities who test to ensure all that is done is usable by everyone. I am grateful for Michele Landis, Kelly Henry and Aaron Cannon who were my Partners from the beginning. One of the things I am most proud of with A360 is that I took all of the people who had invested in me and FamDoo and brought them over pro rata into our pivot into A360. No one was left hanging. (accessible360.com)
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  • Minneapolis Institute Of Art
    Board Member
    Minneapolis Institute Of Art Jul 2013 - Jul 2019
    Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
    Leading national art institute serving the local and global arts community.
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  • Periscope
    Board Member
    Periscope 2015 - 2019
    Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
    Largest independent digital and multi-channel agency in the Twin Cities with over 500 staff and one of 10 largest independent agencies in US.
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  • Famdoo
    Founder And President
    Famdoo 2012 - 2015
    Minneapolis
    Digital loyalty company with multi-channel mobile and web platform that recognizes "members" (e.g. customer, student, patient, fan, guest, attendee, etc.) for tasks completed, content consumed or responses to marketing initiatives (ads, promotions, messages). We provided a complete multi-channel environment with full compatibility with iOS, Android and Web protocols. Our beta product, FamDoo, was an automated allowance system focused on families. A platform that rewarded kids for "doing the right thing" in tasks, education modules and in attaining social skills. And, a tool that helped parents gain influence and engage positively in the digital world in which their kids live. Partners included US Bank and with retail rewards from Amazon, iTunes, Target and Best Buy. Launched May of 2014. Currently, the technology and additional development is on hold as the FamDoo team pivoted to create and develop Accessible360 using the FamDoo legal and operating structure.The facts are that FamDoo was a failure and I put 100% of it on me. I was over-confident, didn't conduct basic research, sold the dream, made the product too complex and built an infrastructure before true proof of concept or an MVP was developed. All things I knew and simply skipped the appropriate processes and we paid the price. Tough lessons. My bad.We pivoted the team to Accessible360 and brought 100% of all investors and shareholders of FamDoo over pro rata. A360 grew to be a successful company.
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  • Bidpal (Now Onecause)
    Co-Founder, President And Chairman
    Bidpal (Now Onecause) 2006 - 2011
    Indianapolis (Founded In Minneapolis)
    Largest US mobile bidding platform supporting the not-for-profit foundation community. Ranked #74 on Inc Magazines "Inc 500" of 2013's fastest growing new companies in U.S. Chosen in Dec 2020 as Gold Member in Inc. Magazines "Best in Business". Currently is privately held by Founders/ Partners and VC/PE firms who have invested. Created and developed together with my business partners Jeff Patrias, Peter Brennan, Scott Cheney and Harris Turner. (OneCause.com)
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  • Denali 1:1 Digital (Now Part Of Icf Next)
    Co-Founder And Managing Partner
    Denali 1:1 Digital (Now Part Of Icf Next) 2007 - 2010
    Minneapolis
    Denali was a loyalty marketing and digital agency serving Fortune 500 clients across US. Provided complete services from business strategy and planning to the design, development and execution and management of some of the largest and most successful customer loyalty and engagement programs in the country. Optimized our clients customer platforms through strategic partnerships and sales of ads and revenue generating promotions. Grew to $25M in revenue in first three years. Sold in 2010 to PE firm and merged with OLSON. Denali was created with my business partners Peter Brennan and Greg Heinemann and joined by partners Margaret Murphy and Scott Cheney. I remained as a board member and the combined company with OLSON-Denali was sold to ICF Agency of Washington, DC with the loyalty division(formerly Denali) generating over $80M in annual revenues.(ICFNext.com)
  • Milepoint (Now Points International)
    Co-Founder And President
    Milepoint (Now Points International) 1999 - 2004
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Internet tech platform to power the selling of loyalty miles and points from leading national airlines and hotels. Developed with my longtime business partners Peter Brennan, Scott Cheney, Bruce Samuel, Bill Jansen and Deb Diepholz. Sold in 2004 to Points, International, a public company from Toronto, Canada. Currently generating over $375M in annual revenue and number one globally in this category.. (points.com)
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  • Lacek Development: Lodge At Crooked Lake Hotel & Conference Center
    Founder And Developer
    Lacek Development: Lodge At Crooked Lake Hotel & Conference Center 1997 - 2003
    Siren, Wisconsin
    Built upscale hotel and led development of retail complex with restaurant, small mall with shops, real estate office, movie theater and donated adjacent land to build municipal hockey arena. One local player went on to play in the 2008 Winter Olympics on the USA women's hockey team. Revitalized the local town and region which is now a major recreation area for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and general outdoor activities. Sold in 2003 to Ten Thousand Pines, LLC, a private family holding company.
  • The Lacek Group (Now Part Of Ogilvy One/Wpp)
    Co-Founder And President
    The Lacek Group (Now Part Of Ogilvy One/Wpp) 1993 - 1999
    Minneapolis
    Leading global provider of loyalty marketing services and technology. Opened offices in Minneapolis/St Paul, Atlanta, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Sydney. Started with my original business partner, Peter Brennan, and grew to over 200 with addition of Jeff Patrias and Bruce Samuel as Partners. Sold in 2000 to Ogilvy Worldwide, part of WPP of London. Currently annual revenues of over $50M.(Lacek.com)
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  • Lacek Loyalty Consulting
    Consultant
    Lacek Loyalty Consulting 1992 - 1993
    Minneapolis
    Provided loyalty program design, development and financial analysis for major global companies including SAS, Virgin, Swissair, Singapore Airlines, Hyatt Hotels and MCI. Served as lead consultant for Carlson Marketing in developing and expanding their loyalty practice across Europe. These efforts created the platform for founding of The Lacek Group in 1993 along with my longtime business partner, Peter Brennan..
  • Northwest Airlines
    Director-Loyalty Marketing
    Northwest Airlines Aug 1991 - Aug 1992
    Minneapolis
    Ran global frequent flyer program, WorldPerks, airline clubs and strategic partnerships with focus on maximizing revenues from the core FF platform now called SkyMiles.(delta.com)
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Mark Lacek Skills

Loyalty Marketing Strategic Partnerships Marketing Strategy Marketing Direct Marketing Strategy Leadership Strategic Planning Start Ups Advertising Business Strategy Loyalty Programs Interactive Marketing Integrated Marketing Copywriting Partnerships Marketing Communications Multi Channel Marketing Digital Marketing Mobile Marketing Architectural Design Brand Development Database Marketing Sales Email Marketing Crm Social Media Online Marketing Social Media Marketing Analytics Retail Public Speaking B2b E Commerce Product Development Creative Direction Branding Mobile Devices Marketing Research Marketing Management Selling Product Marketing Brand Management Online Advertising Creative Strategy Direct Mail Corporate Branding Sem Family Services Relationship Marketing

Mark Lacek Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Mark Lacek

What company does Mark Lacek work for?

Mark Lacek works for Cascade Reading

What is Mark Lacek's role at the current company?

Mark Lacek's current role is Working on a New Start-Up Dream(s).

What is Mark Lacek's email address?

Mark Lacek's email address is ma****@****ing.com

What is Mark Lacek's direct phone number?

Mark Lacek's direct phone number is +161252*****

What schools did Mark Lacek attend?

Mark Lacek attended University Of St. Thomas, University Of Wisconsin-River Falls, Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck.

What are some of Mark Lacek's interests?

Mark Lacek has interest in Guitar, Politics, Traveling, Snow Skiing, Change, Hunting, Philosophy, Fishing.

What skills is Mark Lacek known for?

Mark Lacek has skills like Loyalty Marketing, Strategic Partnerships, Marketing Strategy, Marketing, Direct Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Start Ups, Advertising, Business Strategy, Loyalty Programs.

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