Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Young.
Hi Mark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. I grew up on a farm near Bishop, Texas until I was 13 years old. After 6th grade my family moved to Lake Jackson, Texas where my Dad ran several successful small businesses. He was a lawman as was his Dad. He bought one of the main businesses from his former boss who was an FBI Special Agent in the 30’s and 40’s. I was immersed in law enforcement war stories through0ut my youth and loved them. My Dad thought the FBI was the ultimate agency and even watched FBI TV shows with me. His former boss encouraged me to join the FBI right out of high school and complete my college while so employed. I did just that and became an FBI Special Agent. I was involved in many, many exciting cases across the US and in some other countries. It was an incredible journey and career for a kid who started life on a south Texas dirt farm.
After 32 years with the FBI, I retired 11 days before 9/11 and worked civil and criminal cases in my PI business. I have been doing that now for 24 years.
I met Janet, my wife in 2015 and we married in 2016. We have six children from previous marriages. We wanted to run another type of business and bought a property in Blanco County where we live and run a small wedding and event venue. We also raise honeybees and have an extensive garden. We love to bottle honey and to can and freeze our own produce from the garden. We still run the PI company which is quite active. We love to travel and have been touring the US and abroad as much as time allows.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like everyone else, I have encountered obstacles along this life’s journey.
In my FBI life there were people who were not so appreciative of my work and did what they could to create issues. Most of those were afforded free housing by the government. Issues included threats, attempted actions by attorneys, and such.
In my private practice, it is a constant challenge to keep proper licensures, insurance, tax records, and contracts up to date, while maintaining good working relationships with long term clients.
Building a venue has been equally challenging as you must adhere to certain standards and be on top of changing regulations. There are also many competitors in this area.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Janet and I have both had high intensity careers in the past. Those demanded a lot of time and with raising children there was little time left for us. We still run the PI business, but I have several great employees who take most of the burden off of me. Our history has taught us about discipline, hard work, and sacrifices needed to be successful. Both our careers involved a lot of personal contact with people…sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions. We wanted to try to run a business that would serve folks and lessen their stress.
We found a fairly rugged property in Blanco County and both had a vision of developing it into a wedding and event venue. Some of our family and friends didn’t see the “vision” and thought we had lost it. lol We put a lot of work in the place, and it transformed into a beautiful slice of Texas with panoramic views from the hillsides. We have continued to add new landscapes and building ideas that we would want if we picked a venue for a wedding or event and the place just keeps getting better.
Our goal was to provide a venue that was affordable and hassle free. We had put on weddings for several family members before this and learned of aggravations for couples trying to negotiate the ordeals confronting them. We wanted to eliminate most of those. We have other business and income, so don’t have to charge as high a fee as a lot of other places. We also get a lot of joy watching guests having a good time at out venue.
We have tried to make ours a one fee covers everything venue. No nickel and dime expenses hidden until the end. We are low key and don’t put multiple events back-to-back. This allows our clients to come for photos, decorating, or any other purpose ahead of the event.
We have had a number of repeat customers, which to us is a testament that we are providing a good product.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We are our own cheerleaders and find inspiration from each other for new ideas and sustainability. There are several family members also cheering us on. We have called on several people we know to provide help or services.
Rex Baker a local attorney graciously gave me advice and copies of contracts to consider. He ran a venue himself in the area.
Justin Puryear often helps direct arriving guests and watches the parking areas.
Lonnie Poe, pastor from the Henly Baptist Church has served as an officiant. His wife Deanna Poe has been a caterer for several events as well as an event coordinator for some.
I haven’t asked these people for permission to use their names… and there may be more if I think about this some.
Pricing:
- Depends on the event
- Full Weddings are usually $4,000.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehomesteadonthehill.com
- Facebook: The Homestead Wedding and Event Center
