Mark Gonsalves is the son of first-generation Americans, Beatrice and Lenine Gonsalves. He has a BS degree in Accounting, which has served him well during his many business ventures.

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Mark started his career in IT recruitment and later founded Integrity Software Resources, Inc. After several years in business, he was recruited to become Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Adams Golf, a small golf club manufacturer. Within 4 years, he helped grow sales from $1 million to $90 million. The company was named by Inc. as the 4th fastest growing private company in the US and shortly thereafter went public.

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In 2001, Mark and his wife Donna purchased a private buying club franchise and renamed it DirectBuy. This was before a Costco or Sam’s Club was on nearly every corner. Mark developed a unique TV marketing plan that expanded the company network from 67 to 168 locations within 4 years. DirectBuy was sold to a private equity firm for $550 million, an increase in valuation of over $540 million during that time.

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After the company was sold, Mark became a real estate investor and, like many, learned some valuable lessons during the Great Recession of 2008-2009.

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More recently, Mark has taken special assignments in a number of companies in need of new vision and leadership. He served as CEO of the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy, directed the acquisition of Nature’s Brands Inc., and also re-branded an innovative UK-based nutritional supplement company.