Meet Mark Wagner

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mark Wagner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mark below.

Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I think my work ethic has come from the generations before me. I’ve been afforded the opportunity to work in a business that was built on the sweat of others. I see that as a privilege & also an inspiration. I spend long hours dedicated to the business in honor of those who came first and also to build/improve upon the foundation that has been laid.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the HR Director of a business named Shoe Fly. Shoe Fly operates regional, full service, shoe stores. The foundation of our business is built on thorough, personalized, & friendly service. While also carrying industry leading brands in style & comfort (Hoka, Brooks, New Balance, Birkenstock, & Ugg to name a few).

As the HR Director I help oversee onboarding, training, & the development of our staff. I also support the Regional Managers within the company. Shoe Fly has a careful & thorough interview process. We aim to hire people that are intelligent & more importantly, have a passion for helping others. So having the privilege to work with high character people every day is a blessing that I never try to take for granted.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Interpersonal skills – Simple things like making eye contact, not interrupting others as they speak, responding to what was said, taking advice of others, & being empathetic to any situation

2. Humility – Never take your opportunities for granted. Be thankful for the little things. Take feedback from your coworkers constructively.

3. Work Ethic – The easiest way to earn respect of your peers is through hard work and maintaining a positive attitude.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Allowing me to make my own decisions & also to make my own mistakes. I don’t believe unsolicited advice is a productive way to make changes in others.

My parents were supportive in whatever I did & always helped me when I asked. I don’t believe I’d be the person I am today if they would have kept me in a box or tried to make me someone I am not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shoeflystores.com/