Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Wade
Mark, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a young man I was raised in California, New Zealand, and Utah.
My professional career began with studying communication in college, which led me to work in radio broadcasting, and then as a TV news anchor for a small-market TV station in Wyoming. I became disillusioned with the authenticity of the news reporting industry and moved into video production with a focus on industrial and tourism promotional videos.
My work in communications and tourism led to a position as Director of Tourism for southwestern Utah. an area which includes Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, Lake Powell, The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, plus various cities such as St. George, Kanab, and Cedar City, and many other attractions.
As the internet emerged in the mid 1990’s I was involved in uploading some of the first travel information to be placed on the internet, and this led me to a 25-year career in internet marketing and consulting for tourism. My work has involved creating and marketing websites and online information directories, video production, photography, and writing text content for the internet, and consulting with tourism-based businesses and organizations such as county tourism offices, resorts, hotels, restaurants, guides and outfitters, event venues such as Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts, etc.
Some of my work has received awards by Utah tourism organizations. I’ve been able to participate in some creative projects such as placing a grand piano on the rim of Bryce Canyon National Park for a music video that has had over 130-million views (Titanium-The Piano Guys).
Currently I own the website and associated social media channels for UtahGuide.com, and continue to work in video production, photography, content creation for tourism operations. I am an accomplished drone operator (3 drones), and own three DSLR or mirrorless cameras, and numerous other pieces of equipment to aid in my photo and video acquisition. I have a library of over 100,000 photos of Utah, and Utah-based tourism activities, plus a library of an estimated 20,000+ video clips.
I’m experienced in many outdoor activities and sports such as skiing, rappelling/canyoneering, hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and wildlife photography/videography.
For the past five years I’ve been a guest every Saturday morning (approximately 200+ episodes) on KSL Radio Outdoors (Salt Lake City) speaking about things to do, places to go, and how to experience Utah outdoors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in the news business for few short years, I saw some of what we are now seeing today with agenda-based reporting, and it caused me to change my career quite dramatically.
I delved into ownership of a hotel/motel for several years and learned, for myself, how difficult that business is.
With the real estate crash of 2008 I lost a well-paid marketing position with a company of approximately 350 employees. That company layed-off all but a few of that entire staff. I decided then to go full-time into my own consulting business. It was tough the first year, but has been a good path ever since.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Photography / Videography: I’ve been able to increase my skills in this arena. One of my developed skills is finding ways to view terrain or scenic settings from an angle that has not been seen before.
Examples that come to mind are:
– Night Sky Locations
– Rock Towers & Formations such as the bastions near Caineville (one example).
– Horseshoe Bend (may have been first to publish this scene on the internet)
– The Piano Guys
– Etc.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Always try to be straight-forward (honest), and do the work you say you’ll do, plus a little more. Prove your value. Also important to give of your time when no payment may be forthcoming (e.g. – small businesses).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://utahguide.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utahguide_com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahGuideCom/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@utahguidedotcom
