The App That Changed My Life

Brad & Linda Hollibaugh

"Hi Mark, this is Brad Hollibaugh with ServiceMaster. We have an app that I'd like to talk with you about in regards to marketing. Could you come visit so we could discuss it?" It was a call that set in motion a series of events and opportunities that lead me to where I am today.

I had first met the Hollibaugh family in the mid-2000's through a local chamber of commerce. Brad, his wife Linda, and his brother Stan were actively engaged and were connecting with the Kingwood community they not only did business in with their ServiceMaster franchise, this community was also their home. Fast forward to 2016.

This is when the call was made from Brad. We made the appointment and I went to visit where we discussed the possibilities of their new app. Long story short, I left that meeting as their new Director of Marketing. Although I knew the Hollibaugh family, I didn't know how supportive and caring they could be. This new position would reveal this and so much more.

One of the first things I did as Director of Marketing was reengage the company with local chambers of commerce, the Lake Houston Area Chamber and the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber. We were not only members, we got actively involved. I quickly found myself making new connections for the company and taking on committee and leadership roles. In 2017 I was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber and then out of nowhere, I was dealt a personal health issue that allowed me to learn about the true supportive and caring nature of the Hollibaugh family.

While on a spring break trip to visit family in San Diego, I was hospitalized with an extreme case of pancreatitis. Of course I was concerned for my personal health but I was also concerned for my commitments and my income. The Hollibaughs took care of that concern immediately and allowed me to focus on my recovery. When I was able to return to work, I did. It was at this time I was invited to participate in a leadership program with the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber for their 2018 class. Once again the Hollibaughs supported me on this opportunity which led to me being named the chamber's Chairman of the Board for 2019.

It was during this time the current President of the chamber made a decision to retire. Instead of our board doing an executive search for his replacement, I was asked if I would consider the position. I did and we came to a mutual agreement. I officially started the position as President & CEO of the Greater East Montgomery County Chamber on August 1, 2019. It was a position I felt all of my personal and professional life experiences had prepared me for. The most difficult part of this decision was having to let the Hollibaughs know I was moving on after all they had done for me. In the true supportive and caring nature of the Hollibaughs, they were happy for me and congratulated me on this amazing opportunity. I will always be grateful for their support and I can only hope that you find people like the Hollibaugh family in your lives both personally and professionally.

The funny thing is we never really did as much with the app that began this chain of events, but without it, this story would have never happened.

The App That Changed My Life