10 Questions with Mark Nelson
Mark Nelsen has owned and worked in sales at Maximum Promotions, Inc. since 1982, growing the company from door-to-door sales into a business that sells custom sewn banners in all 50 states, as well as flagpoles and flags regionally. He is proud of the brand Maximum Promotions has developed and the quality products the company produces. Mark and his wife, Barb, have three grown children and six grandchildren in Sioux Falls. He enjoys watching his grandchildren develop their interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
1. How has Maximum Promotions evolved since you started the business?
In 1982, Maximum Promotions was started to help pay my law school tuition. I designed and custom-built football jerseys and sold them door to door in the Sioux Falls area. Our market was high school athletes. As you might guess, this was not an idea we could scale. When it became obvious I was a better salesperson than a law student, I went out and found investors. We took our knowledge of sewing and building products and morphed that into building banners. Building custom sewn banners was able to be scaled. We found the college recruiting market and the high school championship gym banner markets. Along the way, we added flagpoles and flags to our offerings.
For the record, I did sell 43 customers in a row that first summer, door to door.
2. Flags can carry a lot of meaning for people, communities and organizations. What do flags represent to you?
The American flag is designed to represent the original 13 colonies with 13 red and white stripes, and the 50 states with 50 stars. In this, our 250th year, I have gone back and read the birth-to-grave biography of George Washington. As the father of our country, he sacrificed his fortune and his health to lay the foundation of the United States of America. When I see the flag or am working with a community on a flag promotion, I never lose sight of the fact that many people did things for me I can never repay. But I can honor and promote the “American Spirit” wherever I go.
3. What is one thing that people might be surprised to learn about the work Maximum Promotions does?
Since 1991, we have built every Nebraska Volleyball banner that hangs in the Devaney Center in Lincoln. Additionally, we built the 60-by-80-foot “Go Big Red” banner you have seen at Huskers games for the past 17 years.
4. What is one lesson from your career that has stayed with you?
Take care of important issues as they present themselves, because issues seldom resolve themselves. Delay or procrastination always makes the issues worse.
5. What is something you are optimistic about for Sioux Falls’ future?
Our grandchildren all live in Sioux Falls, and we hope they will see the benefit of building their lives and careers in Sioux Falls, as our three children did. Continued positive economic growth is foundational for the future of Sioux Falls.
6. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, what is something you are optimistic about for our community?
The growth and development. When I drive downtown, I am awestruck by the amount of housing, new businesses and amenities for all citizens. As a community, we are blessed with strong leadership and people who are willing to risk their capital to keep our community growing. This is a blessing for all citizens.
7. What is something you are proud of?
All our investors, who stayed with us over the 40-plus years, got all their money back 10 times. They risked their money on a young person with an idea and helped build the financial bridge until the banks were comfortable with our progress.
8. What do you value most in your Chamber membership?
It goes to support the work of the Chamber. The Sioux Falls Chamber is highly visible and aggressive in promoting our city. All businesses benefit in some way.
9. How do you describe Sioux Falls to people who don’t live here?
Clean and always looking ahead. Economic development is a priority so that opportunities continue to present themselves.
10. What has kept you motivated through more than 40 years in business?
Setting goals and working toward accomplishing those goals. We do not always hit our goals, but never for lack of effort or a willingness to adjust to ever-changing market conditions.