Before the flight was over I found out that she has been married 5 times, two of the same men twice. She had worked most of her life in the telecommunications business. She supported most of her husbands, had a son who became her priority and she was moving on through life. She asked if I have ever heard of a Rockin’ Blues player named “Joe Bonamassa. “I think I have”, I replied. “ My guitar playing buddy Mark Werner from Missouri is a fan of his.” She went on to say how she became a fan by hearing his music on a bus tour in another country and now follows him around the country. So I said, “You are a groupie”. Her son retired at age 50 after inventing some sort of software and then selling it. Now he is a full time volleyball dad. I also found out that the Red Rock Amphitheater has 322 steps to the bottom. I don’t know about you, but I love to here stories like this. It restores my faith in America and the American Dream. Yes we have a lot of challenges in this country, but it is still the greatest country in the world. Challenges are what make us grow in life and at work, so if you want our country to grow, we must have them too. As I sit on a plane to Tampa with my awesome, amazing family on this 4th of July, I want to thank all the men and women of this country around the world that sacrifice daily for us to have this freedom and daily opportunities to succeed. Also to those who have given their lives. You have a duty, obligation and responsibility to your creator, (who ever you believe that to be). Personally. I choose to believe my creator is God and he wants us to be our best every day. “For me – it’s to be the BEST husband, father, Christian, and speaker I can possible be.” Do you do your best every day? Do you encourage your team and family to do their best everyday? Do you choose love over fear? Do you even know what your best is or what your goals are?
So where am I going with this for you? If you make life or success your duty, obligation and responsibility you are at rock star status. Rock Stars play full out all the time. That’s how you win. That’s how you win big, sell out arenas. That’s how you win consistently. It’s a commitment. What plays a key factor in this for you is Love. You have to love what you do and who you do it with. If circumstances do not currently allow you to love what you do then love why you do it. Or whom you are doing it for. That may mean paying it forward, trying to always be in a positive mood, helping out strangers, and yes talking to strangers on the plane.
Marie is one of my new friends and fans of Marvelless Mark. I told her about my book Opportunity Rocks and gave her a signed copy. I shared stories with her about my touring career, when I headlined at the Venetian at Las Vegas, and my current speaking tour. We exchanged information right as the wheels touched down.
Two weeks ago I received an email from Marie that brought a smile and tear to my eye at the same time. It went like this:
“Marvelless Mark,
I read your book the next day. It was incredible. How can I order copies???? I have to say reading the book made me realize I was married to five men, not just because they were losers, but they had no goals in life. I always had a goal, working and taking care of my son. Although I no longer work, your book made me realize that although I embrace each day as a gift, I need some goals!!! Leaving Orlando, I was on my way to the airport and saw a helicopter and realized I have never flown in one. As a result I am going to book a helicopter flight around Atlanta!!! I think you are now vacationing with your family in FL. Hope all is well with you and you have fun. My phone number is 770-xxx-xxxx and I guess you can see my email is ……………….. Hoping you will send that photo you took of us. Please let me know how to get books. Marie
Marie purchased 7 books to share with friends, is not afraid to embrace life daily, set goals, play full out, and be her best everyday. Why ? Because she is a rock star. She gets it. Even at her age and being retired. Did I mention she was a two-time cancer survivor of lung and breast cancer? She makes some of us younger peeps look like whining little babies. Thank you Marie for being you, sharing with me, and being a rock star role model to many. Opportunity Rocks and you just proved it.
Please share and repost this article and let’s make changes together.
Marvelless Mark Kamp is a Keynote Entertainer who works with organizations who want their teams to achieve rock star results. He does this in a fun, entertaining, and engaging way using the success secrets of rock stars. Mark love’s what he does and wants to share his love and passion of rock star success with the business world.
©2026 Marvelless Mark Speaks. All Rights Reserved
