MARK’S BIOGRAPHY (Click HERE for print-ready format)

From the time Mark was young, he knew he had a knack for leadership and a passion for performance. His love of flying took him to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he also discovered his love of theater (and his talent for talk radio!) Mark finished his collegiate career at the University of Toledo, where he became one of the most successful speakers in National Forensics Association history.

After college, Mark moved to Chicago where he worked as a comedian and studied at the world-famous Second City Theatre. He joined with some of his fellow Second City students to form an improvisational group that eventually won the first ImprovOlympics. Mark got his Equity card and moved to New York City, working in regional theaters and national tours until he got an offer to move back to the Midwest and take over as program director for a small-town Michigan radio station. He didn’t stay long.

Mark quickly moved up in market sizes, working as a morning show producer in Detroit and a program director in Dayton until a position in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio allowed him to work in radio and play in the theater. He became the managing artistic director for the Toledo Rep while holding down a morning radio show for 10 years. He married his favorite co-star, Sally Tay Howe, and with the birth of their first child, Drew, Mark knew he had to slow down. He resigned from the Rep to concentrate on his radio job.

A year later, he got fired.

Mark used his reputation as a civic leader to take a position with the Mayor’s office coordinating the marketing and public relations for Toledo’s All-America City Award (Mark had directed the city’s winning presentation.) The performance bug finally got him back on stage soon after as the lead singer for the Mighty Meaty Swing Kings, one of the most popular acts in the Midwest for several years. Mark has also taken the stage as a symphony narrator, opera clown, and ballet impresario, and was recently crowned Sacramento’s first “Dancing With The Stars” champion.

He wasn’t out of radio for long. At a Swing Kings’ gig in 1998, Mark was approached by the operations manager of Toledo’s heritage radio station, WSPD, to take over as morning talk show host. During Mark’s five years there, he interviewed White House hopefuls and Hall of Fame athletes, American Idols and Motley Fools, union leaders and corporate giants, all with equal insight and grace. He presented the opening remarks and acted as Master of Ceremonies for President George W. Bush’s first official state visit with Mexican President Vincente Fox in 2001.

Mark broadcast live from Honolulu on the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor and from Ground Zero on the first anniversary of the September 11th attacks. He even moderated a screaming on-the-air argument between Ralph Nader and the mayor of Toledo while broadcasting from his home the week after his daughter, Cameron, was born!

California called in 2003, when Mark and his family moved to Sacramento where he became program director and morning show host at 103.9 The Fish. He soon hooked up with the local entertainment scene, and after singing the National Anthem at a Sacramento River Cats game, he was asked to become the public address announcer for the club. Last year, Mark was the official park announcer for the Triple-A All Star Game which was shown on ESPN 2.

Now, Mark is ready to conquer another area of performance—public speaking. The people who have known him through the years know Mark will be an instant success!

MARK’S INTRODUCTION
(Mark likes to invite someone from the audience to read this...)

MARK STANDRIFF has one of the most interesting backgrounds of any speaker in the business! From his boyhood growing up in Ohio to his current home in California, Mark has always enjoyed a wide variety of careers and interests.

He’s a private pilot with a love for cooking and playing golf (although he won’t say which hobby is more dangerous...)

Mark’s resume includes national collegiate speaking championships, Broadway musical tours, as well as presenting the opening remarks at President George W. Bush’s very first official state visit with Mexican President Vincente Fox.

In his 20-year career as a morning radio talk show host, he’s interviewed White House hopefuls and Hall of Fame athletes, American Idols and Motley Fools, union leaders and corporate giants, all with equal insight and grace.

(Oh, and speaking of grace—Mark was recently crowned Sacramento’s first “Dancing With The Stars” champion!)

Please welcome MARK STANDRIFF!

(Click HERE for print-ready format)

AUDIO VISUAL REQUIREMENTS

Here’s the list of equipment that will help Mark insure a great presentation:

  •  The ideal riser height for audiences of up to 200 people is 6"-12"; 200 or more, 12"-24" in height.
  •  Wireless lavaliere microphone (can use wireless hand-held if necessary)
  •  Flip Chart (if speech requires)
  •  Full house lights (if you’re videotaping, please use as much house light as possible)

Room Setup

  •  Distance from the first row of seats to the stage should be no more than 10 feet.
  •  The ideal riser height for audiences of up to 200 people is 6"-12"; for audiences of more than 200 people, 12"-24" in height is appropriate.
  •  Screens not being used should be raised during Mark's presentation if possible.

Please note:

  •  No after-dinner speeches where alcohol is served.
  •  No audio or videotaping Mark’s presentation without permission.
  •  Mark receives the master of all tapes and is happy to provide copies at no charge.

If you have any questions, please call 866.419.6275. Thanks!

FEE SCHEDULE (Does not include airfare, lodging, meals, and incidentals)

  •    Call for custom pricing for special length programs or international presentations.
  •    Two nights lodging required for Hawaii, Mexico, and International dates.