Mark Pennington has been a web designer with DiscoverTec, located on the Southside, for three years.
WHAT DOES THE COMPANY DO?
It is a technology company capable of providing phone, Internet, security, cable and entertainment needs for homes, offices, apartment complexes, or a network of buildings across the United States.
WHAT DOES PENNINGTON DO?
He designs customized websites for homebuilders, realtors and other local businesses. “Anyone who has anything to show or sell should have a website. The type depends on what they want. It could be anywhere from a brochure type of Web site to a fully functional e-commerce site where they can have a database of all their products.” Most notably, he designed the new Northeast Florida Builders Association Sales and Marketing’s website at www.smcnefba.com.
WHAT ELSE DOES HE DO?
He also takes photos of Realtor and builder events for DiscoverTec. Aside from DiscoverTec, he has his own photography business, Mark Pennington Photography and Design. He takes wedding and family portraits. “It’s not your basic stand in front of a camera and take a picture. It’s capturing them, who they are, their emotions and interactions with each other.” His website is www.markpennington.net.
BEFORE DISCOVERTEC?
He worked at SuperStock, a stock imaging company. He also worked at Presentation Resource for three years before that.
HOW DID HE GET INTO WEB DESIGN?
“The goal was never to work for a stock imaging company. That was just a place I was working while I was building my computer skills. While I was there I learned a lot of things and I knew someone who worked at DiscoverTec, so when they had an opening I got an interview.”
WHAT DOES HE LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“It’s flexible and the people I work with are great. We have fun in the office.”
HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?
“I didn’t like anything else. I tried psychology for a while but I didn’t really want to do that. I’ve always been a visual person and loved art. My dad always said I’d never make any money at it. I tried everything else and finally just realized that I’d rather have no money and be happy than a lot of money and be miserable.”
HOW ABOUT WEB DESIGN?
“I taught myself. I just picked up a book and got on the computer and went at it. I also asked some friends some questions and did some tutorials to learn more.”
WHAT HAS HELPED HIM THE MOST?
“The thing that has gotten me to where I am today is my son Tyler. Because up until he was born, I was just piddling around with photography. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t take it seriously. As soon as he was born, I started taking him as well as getting really serious about it. Also, my wife has been very supportive and encouraging along the way.”
LESSONS LEARNED?
“I’ve learned not to take anyone’s word for anything. For example, if they say they have checked something and it’s good, I still need to check it anyway because chances are they have missed something and it’s not right. That is dealing with clients as well as employees. I’ve also learned not to take anything for granted.”
COLLEGE
He has a bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis on graphic design from Freed Hardman University in Tennessee.
BIRTHPLACE
Jacksonville.
FAMILY
He has been married to Kristy for six years. Tyler is three and another son is due in November.
LOVE TAKING PHOTOS?
He has taken a photo of his son every day since he was born and then created a calendar with a collage of photos and the photo-a-day on every day in the calendar.
WHEN HE’S NOT WORKING?
He enjoys taking photos and spending time with his family.
FAVORITEs
“Tombstone” and “Dumb and Dumber” are two of his favorite movies. When relaxing at home, he enjoys tuning into “Ed.” When dining out, he enjoys Macaroni Grill in Orlando. When traveling, he likes to visit the mountains in Colorado to snowboard.