Meet Mark Kuczka! He has been a resident of Jackson County since 2004. Mark is married to Rebecca, and they have a daughter, Kaleigh. Mark works in the IT business, loves adventure races, and he volunteers at West Jackson Elementary.
I have gotten to know Mark over the past few years, and he is a genuine person who makes a positive impact in people he meets in his daily journey. We asked Mark to tell us a little more about his life and his love for our community. This is what he said…
“When I was asked to submit my info here on the Faces of Jackson County, I didn’t think I was worthy. I’m no Brent Gilstrap or Jeff Grant (two AMAZING guys!). I’m just a guy who volunteers at his daughter’s school for morning drop off. I’m just the dad who goes on field trips and helps at Field Day. But, then I thought how even serving others just 30 minutes a day can make a positive difference, how just one small act of kindness or one simple ‘good morning!’ can brighten someone’s day, and not every parent has the luxury of a schedule that allows them to do these things. I do these things in part for the parents who can’t. I want my daughter to know that even the smallest act of kindness can make a huge difference. So, here I am. Husband, father, school volunteer, follower of Christ, and proud member of a great community,” Mark said. “My family is very active. We camp, hike, bike, trail run, kayak and do all things outdoors.”
Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Answer: “My amazing wife, Rebecca, works in healthcare and our 9-year old daughter, Kaleigh, is a student at WJES.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I work for Cirrus Networks providing IT solutions and support for many local area school systems. While I love all things IT, I am especially proud to provide the technology our children need for their education while also keeping them safe from cyber threats.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Cracker Barrel was the first restaurant Rebecca and I visited with Kaleigh as a newborn. We were so scared she would make a noisy fuss and disrupt everyone around us, but she slept peacefully though the meal. It has since become Kaleigh’s favorite place because she loves their veggie plate. I mean, when a kid picks a restaurant because she loves their broccoli, they are doing something right!”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A; “I’ve met a lot of very interesting people in this amazing community, but if I had to pick just one person who has really impressed me the most, I’d have to say Dr. Amity Hardegree from West Jackson Elementary. I have first-hand watched her lead and inspire an amazing school staff who are all so sincerely committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for our children to learn and grow. The lady is amazing.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “Our family has a passion for obstacle course racing. We would like to fly to Hawaii next year for a special Spartan race weekend. It is a series of three races that are hosted in the jungle on the site where Jurassic Park was filmed. Imagine running through the jungle and then seeing dinosaur bones scattered all around.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “We don’t watch TV. In fact, we haven’t had TV service in over a decade. We do watch some movies though, and I’d have to say ‘Frozen’ is my favorite just because it reminds me of Kaleigh when she was younger. She’d dress up as Elsa, act out, and sing every part. Great memories there. If I had to pick a runner up ‘guy’ movie, it would be ‘300’ just because of the connection to the Spartan races we love so much.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: “Don’t seek happiness. People often search for happiness only to be disappointed. Instead, live a life of fulfillment. Fulfillment will check all the boxes….love, happiness, self-esteem, etc. And… get off the couch! Make fitness a priority.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I want to attend World’s Toughest Mudder 24-hour obstacle course race and complete at least 55 miles. I think it would be an amazing test of mental grit.”
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
A: “Led Zeppelin. I have eclectic musical tastes, but there is something special about Led Zeppelin.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Cracker Barrel for reasons mentioned earlier. A close second would be Braselton Fit Body Bootcamp. They really got me started on my fitness journey, and it was because of that gym that I found obstacle racing.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
A: “Joe De Sena from Spartan Race. His book, ‘The Spartan Way,’ literally changed my perspective on life and forced me to find my ‘why,’ my true purpose in life.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
A: “While we are a growing community, it still feels ‘small town.'”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “Hopefully doing the same things I’m doing now.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “Standing on a sandbar in the middle of the Caribbean Ocean while feeding (and holding) stingrays.”
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
A: “November. Just getting into the holiday season, lots of family get togethers, and we always have some epic obstacle races. Favorite holiday is Christmas, because we celebrate Jesus’ birthday. That’s the best day of the year….December 25.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “God’s love for us and our opportunity for salvation through Jesus Christ.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My wife. Rebecca supports me in everything I do and is an incredible mother to Kaleigh. Her kindness and compassion are endless.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “A Boston butt smoking on the grill!”
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: “Live, laugh, love.”
