Profile: Mark Downing

Name: Mark Downing
Title: Managing Partner, CornerStone Homes
Education: Marketing, University of North Florida
Family: Wife of 27 years, Becky; children, Joshua, Danielle and Caleb
Hobbies/Interests: Family time, reading, sporting events, the beach, movies

Q. You’ve lived in Jacksonville" target="_blank">Jacksonville since you were a child. How have you seen it change?
A. Since I’m a builder, I naturally think about all the schools, bridges, malls and office parks that have been built. However, I think the banking industry, the insurance industry, our military and the Jaguars have all had a tremendous impact on Jacksonville" target="_blank">Jacksonville. I love it here and want to remain here after retirement.

Q. What made you decide that you wanted to be a homebuilder?
A. I always had a desire to be a builder. After 20 years in the building supply industry, I decided it was time to set out on my dream.

Q. How did you get started in the business?
A. In 1983 , I joined Holmes Lumber Company. Everything else grew from my passion for the building industry.

Q. How do you balance your work and your family obligations?
A. It requires a tremendous amount of effort and unfortunately I don’t always succeed. Still, I’ve tried to learn to prioritize and honor my family commitments.

Q. Who is your personal hero, and why?
A. My dad was always someone I admired. He had a strong work ethic and was a man of integrity.

Q. What are you reading right now?
A. I love reading. I’m always reading industry information. Last week I finished The Relationship Principles of Jesus. And I just started The Complete 101 Collection: What Every Leader Needs to Know.

Q. What is your personal philosophy of life? Of business?
A. They are very similar. My philosophy is based on leadership. I believe a person should lead by example. In order to lead you must be a servant. I make a conscious effort to serve my family, coworkers, community, friends and our industry.