Interview from the C-Suite: Mark Brown & Mary-Ellen Willard
Knowing JA’s three pillars of financial health, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, how do you think being involved in JA learning experiences in your own schooling would have made a difference in your career?
Having early exposure to financial literacy and entrepreneurship would have given us a head start on understanding money management and risk-taking. JA’s work readiness programs would have helped us build confidence in practical skills like interviewing, teamwork, and problem-solving much earlier on.
What do you think has been the key to your success?
The key to our success has been a willingness to keep learning. We believe in always being curious, staying adaptable, and learning from others. Mistakes are part of the process, and viewing them as opportunities to grow has made all the difference.
If you could do one thing differently in your career, what would it have been and why?
If we could change one thing, we would have sought out mentors earlier in our career. Learning directly from someone with experience can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls. We learned this later on, and it’s been invaluable ever since.
What advice would you give young people starting out in business (your industry or any other)?
Be curious and proactive. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or explore new opportunities, even if they scare you. The more you learn and grow, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever comes your way. And always build strong relationships—people are the key to success in any industry.
What do you think a young person’s biggest opportunity is at this time?
Technology. Young people today have access to information and tools that previous generations couldn’t imagine. Whether you’re starting a business, learning a skill, or connecting with others globally, technology gives you the power to make things happen.
What do you think the biggest obstacle is for a young person today? How could they overcome this?
The biggest obstacle is information overload. With so much information available, it can be hard to know what to focus on. Our advice is to find a mentor, set clear goals, and prioritize what really matters—one step at a time.
What is your biggest passion in life, outside of work?
Our biggest passion outside of work is traveling. We love experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and seeing how others live. It keeps us open-minded and constantly learning.
If a young person reads this interview, what do you want them to take away from it?
We want young people to realize that there is no single path to success—it’s about staying curious, being adaptable, and finding joy in learning. Take risks, don’t fear failure, and build strong relationships.
What is your earliest memory of philanthropy? Why do you believe being philanthropic is important personally and/or in your business?
Our earliest memory of philanthropy was participating in fund raising activities at school. We would carry small coin boxes to collect money for Unicef traveling door to door at Halloween. It was a simple initiative, but it made a lasting impression on us about the power of community action. We learned that even small contributions could collectively make a big difference. Being philanthropic is important because it creates a positive impact in society, fosters a sense of responsibility, and helps bridge gaps in our communities. It’s a value that we’ve carried into our business practices by creating the Blue Door Initiative that supports local nonprofit organizations in our community. We’ve supported everything from animal rescue shelters to local theatre groups to up-and-coming musical talents.
What is it about JA’s mission that makes you choose to support its efforts?
We support JA’s mission because we believe in empowering young people to take control of their futures. Financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship are skills that can open doors and change lives, and JA is giving young people the tools they need to succeed.