Meet Mark Semmelbeck

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Semmelbeck. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mark, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

For self-care, I prioritize spending time with my family, especially my grandkids, and take opportunities to travel. This helps me recharge, stay connected to what truly matters, and maintain the energy I need for my work. Setting clear boundaries has also been essential—I designate specific work hours each week to ensure a healthy balance among my personal relationships, fitness, hobbies, and business. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to let work take over, but these boundaries keep me focused and help prevent burnout.

My approach to self-care also mirrors the philosophy behind A Better Meal—small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements. I believe that success, whether in learning to cook or growing a business, doesn’t come from drastic, overnight transformations. Instead, making small, manageable changes over time leads to better outcomes and sustainable results. By applying this mindset to my own life, I’ve seen improvements in productivity and effectiveness. Setting boundaries and dedicating time to each important aspect of my life allows me to show up fully in my work and supports my long-term success as both a business owner and an individual.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself and your company?
As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, I have contributed to a career spanning nearly four decades in the oil, gas and energy sector, as well as humanitarian efforts, with a goal of making a difference in the world.
I also have been involved with a non-profit called His Voice Global for over 20 years. We are active in Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya. We started by supporting over 200 children orphaned as a result of decades of civil war. Now those kids are leading programs that reach thousands of people with integrative care, leadership training and a message of hope and healing. I am also on the board of a relatively new non-profit here in Houston called Good Works Collective that provides interpersonal and skills training to help hard-working people advance their careers and escape poverty.
My company, A Better Meal (www.abettermeal.com) is passionate about making meal planning easier, healthier, and more enjoyable for families. Our AI-powered app offers personalized meal plans tailored to individual tastes, dietary needs, and preferences, allowing users to spend less time deciding what to cook and more time enjoying meals with loved ones. What sets us apart is our focus on technology that improves everyday routines—providing customized recipe suggestions, simplifying grocery shopping, and supporting busy individuals and families in saving time and eating healthier.

As for what’s new, we’re constantly enhancing the app based on user feedback. Our latest initiative is creating a video library with educational cooking content to help users boost their kitchen confidence! We invite everyone to try the app and discover how simple and rewarding meal planning can be.

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?

Looking back on my journey, I believe that these three qualities have been essential to my success: adaptability, problem-solving, and building strong relationships. These qualities helped me navigate multiple industries and launch new ventures, which included a 30-year career in the oil and gas industry and founding a consumer tech product.

1. Adaptability: My ability to embrace change was critical as I transitioned from a long career in the oil and gas industry to software development. For those early in their journey, I recommend developing a mindset that views change as an opportunity rather than a setback. Stay curious and open to learning new skills, especially as industries continue to evolve quickly.

2. Problem-Solving: Entrepreneurs need to be great problem-solvers. Whether in engineering or building an app like A Better Meal, I constantly faced challenges that required creative solutions. I encourage others to stay focused on solving real-world problems and use feedback as a guide. Understanding the needs of your customers or users is essential to offering effective solutions.

3. Building Strong Relationships: My success, both in the energy sector and with A Better Meal, has relied heavily on assembling strong teams and partnerships. Surround yourself with people who share your vision and can complement your skillset. For those starting in their careers or on the path of entrepreneurship, I’d suggest focusing on building relationships based on trust, shared goals, and mutual growth.

But, no matter where you are in your journey, take the time to cultivate these qualities and they’ll serve you well!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

My team and I are always open to collaborations with individuals and organizations that share a similar mission of empowering people to live healthier, more balanced lives. Whether you’re a nutritionist, dietician, or chef who loves creating nutritious recipes or a company interested in supporting employee wellness, we’d love to connect. We’re also looking to partner with organizations or influential individuals who can help us expand our reach and make meal planning easier for more families.

We believe that small, manageable changes can lead to big impacts on health, and together, we can help more people simplify their meal planning and enjoy healthier meals at home. If you’re interested in collaborating or have ideas on how we can work together, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with us through our website at www.abettermeal.com or reach out to me directly via LinkedIn or email.

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A Better Meal

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