The People Project:
Mark Verbois
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | April 28, 2021
Meet Mark Verbois!
Mark is a graduate of Ponchatoula High School and Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. He has been married to his wife, Brandy, for 10 years, and is the proud father to Merritt (6) and Marlow (4). Mark works in the chemical plant industry. He is also involved in Leadership Tangipahoa (Board Member), the Education Facilities Improvement District (Board Member), Theta Xi-Beta Pi Chapter SLU (Alumni Board Member) and fills in as the guest host on Ponchatoula Live!
We want to thank Mark for spending some time with us and letting us learn about his life and family!
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I have many family and friends who work in the plants in the area. I started out as an Outside Operator and moved to the 'in-office' role of Production Statistician.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I don't know that I have one favorite restaurant in the area. We have so many great ones. I always enjoy a good steak from The Steakhouse, or a variety of sushi from Kirin or Cate Street Seafood, great burger from Our Mom's... or pizza from just about anywhere!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in the area?
A: I was born in New Orleans but my (immediate) family moved here in 1987 and have been here ever since! I call Ponchatoula my home!
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: I always remember so many great memories with my grandmother or Mardi Gras as a child! And really... I thoroughly enjoyed all my memories from high school at PHS!!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I think if money was no object, I'd love to see Greece or Australia. We honeymooned in Italy and Europe. It is so rich with history that goes back centuries compared to only a few hundred years in the US. I worked one summer at a camp in Malibu and we had a bunch of counselors from Australia who I became great friends with. I always thought it was such an amazing country/continent. I think it being so far away and less likely to get to visit is what makes it appealing, also.
Q: What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I think Coming to America is one of my all time favorite movies. It is such comedy gold. The Goonies isn't far behind! And I know there were movies prior to this... but the earliest movie I remember seeing in the theater was Rocky 4. I was 5. I know... strange! "YO... ADRIAN!" "U...S...A!"
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: If you see me running... there is probably a good reason. And you should probably be running too.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: I've always wanted to drive a race car/exotic car on a race track... full speed! And skydiving is still on the list!
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I knocked a few off the top of my list not too long before the pandemic (Garth, George, and the Rolling Stones!) Most of the ones I would really like to see their 'show/performance' (though I'm not major fans of the music) are either dead or past their prime. Would have loved to see Poison, Guns-N-Roses, and Michael Jackson at the top of their fame. But realistically, probably Aerosmith or Elton John. I was able to see Steven Tyler perform but not the whole band.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: My dad was an employee of Gabriel Building Supply for decades. That will always be a stronghold of nostalgia for me in Ponchatoula.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, dead or alive, who is it and where would you go?
A: Honestly, I'd love to speak with any living president (some more than others). But I've always believed there is so much that goes on being that office that is so incredibly stressful or (on the other hand) super cool. I would love to hear the stories and the person's mindset during those times.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: I love our tradition and community. It's cliche but it's true!!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, my kids will be right in the mix of high school. I hope my wife and I are in a state in life where we are able to enjoy our family's journey and are able to make some great memories!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: I always wish I could sing. My grandfather was an awesome singer and so few people are able to really do it well. Always thought singing is such an amazing talent.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Family.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: Housekeeper or personal assistant run a close race!
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Wink emoji
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: Reading minds
Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: No, but wish I could find one that I was super passionate about, if I had the free time to devote to it.
Q: What is something you are most proud of?
A: My two kids!
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
