12: Putting Family Before Work
Today’s Guest: Mark Mitchell
Mark is a local lad from the Wirral. He was born and bred in Birkenhead on Merseyside. Mark and his wife, Anita, started Mitchell Group in 1990, with a little bit of money on an overdraft from Barclays Bank. And the business has grown and now represents three automotive brands, Lexus, Mazda, and Skoda in Cheshire Oaks.
Mark is driven by his passionate Christian faith and has always been countercultural in terms of business leadership, putting colleagues before customers, and refusing to trade on Sundays. He was appointed the UK automotive business leader of the year 2020, and at the same time, served as the late magistrate’s High Sheriff of Cheshire.
He will serve as a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) of Cheshire until his 75th birthday. With boundless energy and a zest for life, Mark is just inspiring.
Here’s a summary of this week’s story:
Christian Journey: Mark was born and brought up in the Wirral. From his early childhood, he and his family attended St. Mary’s, a lively Church of England church that 50 plus years on, he’s still a part of. Through the amazing youth workers of the church who faithfully modelled Christ to him, he was drawn to the faith. He gave his life to Jesus on his 11th birthday at a 7-day residential camp where the Christian faith was presented clearly, passionately, and with excitement.
Marriage and business: Mark met his wife, Anita, after graduation while working in the automotive industry. After 5 years of courtship and a proposal atop Mount Vesuvius, they got married. Mark & Anita started Mitchell group in 1990. They worked hard for several years and won the coveted award of being the UK dealership of the year not once, but for two consecutive years.
Challenge at work: They had to face some serious consequences when they decided not to conduct business on Sundays because God mandates it and also because they felt responsible for their staff and their families getting to spend time together on a Sunday. Despite the circumstances, they stood their ground. And God came through for them in a miraculous way.
Unexpected Illness: Five years ago, Mark also had to deal with a surprise brain haemorrhage and he had to go through surgery that had significant risks and he had even lost his mother to brain haemorrhage. But in God’s goodness, he made it through. he had to be away from work for about a year and also had to deal with anxiety issues as a result of the illness, but with the prayers and support of family and friends, he was able to be well again.
Looking back on his journey, Mark says, “God’s timing is perfect and those who honor God, God will honor.”
Links & Resources from today’s story
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