Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 444 FOCUS - MARCH 2017 A few months ago, Mark, a sales representative for the Old Flame Brewing Company, went to work, just as he does any other day. When he arrived at the Old Flame, he saw cameras, models and directors, preparing a photo shoot for York Durham Headwaters, a publication of Central Counties Tourism. Mark walked by and the di- rector asked who he was. Jack Doak, owner of the Old Flame, explained that Mark was one of their sales reps. Aweek later, Jack received a call asking if Mark, or ‘Big Red’, as he is affectionately known, would be interested in lending his likeness to an ad campaign. Mark agreed and the rest is history. Mark was raised in Port Perry and attended Port Perry High School. His father, a professor at Durham College, was influential in Mark’s growing up. His mom, also in the education industry, worked at S.A Cawker and felt that raising their kids in Port Perry would be beneficial to their upbringing. During high school, Mark worked at the Dollar Plus on Scugog Street and being a talented pianist and also dabbling at guitar, decided that music and media was the career path he wanted to pursue. Upon graduating from Port Perry High, he attended Durham College, special- izing in media. Working at Canadian Tire and Yellow House Pizza kept ‘Big Red’ busy and he continued his education, tak- ing music business courses at Durham College. When he completed school he was smitten with the travel bug and decided to head west, landing a job at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C. Afew of his Port Perry friends, who worked for a local cable burying company, had the winter off and decided to visit ‘Big Red’. After a few months enjoying the com- pany of his friends, Red became homesick and decided to return to Port Perry with his friends. Their company immediately hired him. Mark enjoyed the work, but knew it was only a step- ping-stone to something greater. He had always been interested in drinkology and enrolled in BartenderOne, Toronto’s leading school for bartenders. He passed with flying colours and after an in-depth tour of Steam Whistle Brewery, took an interest in craft beers. Mark and his girlfriend spent their free time touring wineries and breweries and upon seeing a Groupon ad for a tour of Port Perry’s Old Flame, the couple met with owner Jack, who conducted the excursion. “I must have asked some detailed questions,” Mark explained, “because Jack asked me if I was a brewer.” He smiled as he spoke. Jack offered Mark a job on the spot and a few days later ‘Big Red’ began working part time at Old Flame. His day job was seasonal and with winter approach- ing Mark was able to take on more responsibility at Old Flame, eventually leading to working behind the bar. “His pleasant and positive personality was a perfect fit for us,” Jack Doak described. “People started to recognize Red and identify him with our brewery. It is hard to miss that flaming red beard.” ‘Big Red’ was a perfect fit for the brewery and as the company grew, someone was needed for the event side of the business. Mark was ideal for the job and became the event coordinator and sales person for the York Simcoe Region. When Marwan’s Global Bistro expanded, by opening the Port Social, Mark offered to help out, tending bar. Being very recognizable around town, he is becoming quite the celebrity, especially now that his likeness is part of Central Counties Tourism. He appears in their Globe and Mail supplement, York Durham Headwaters, showcasing food and bever- ages. The feature, ‘A Day in the Life of Big Red’, takes the reader through Red’s routine. “After a brisk shower, he meticulously styles his lush, red beard with pomade recommended by his favourite stylist.” We follow him as he dines in local restaurants, visits spas, and enjoys many of the tourist venues in the Region. Next time you visit the Old Flame, the Port Social, or happen to see ‘Big Red’ on the street, say hello. He is surely destined to become one of our town’s recognizable icons. By Jonathan van Bilsen, Focus on Scugog Big Red planning his day as event coordinator and sales person at the Old Flame Brewing Co. PhotoS by jonathan van bilSen Big Red (continued from page 3)