Michael Marcus:  

Life After high school I started with Highlands Maintenance Systems. I worked nights and went to college in the daytime. In 1973 Highlands sent me to The Franklin Institute, where I graduated with an Associates in Business Admin. That was 180 degrees from my Engineering Major, but I had a knack for sales and management (I was still at PSU). Highlands promoted me to Production Manager in 1974. In 1975 Highlands transferred me to Denver as a District Manager. At 22 years I was a bit "green", but I was ready to rock Denver. Upon arriving I found the business in a shambles. I immediately fired the Production Manager, and transferred Mike Freeman from Portland to take over the position. A month later Kathi followed (we had broken up - at age 20 I decided to quit fooling around and settle down - now the tables were turned). The first summer in the Rockies was beautiful! But that first winter was very cold. After a year in Denver, Highlands owner Jim decided to sell the operation. The decision was made to run each district as a franchise. Mike's dad drove his truck to Denver and helped us move back. I finished school and went back to work for Highlands as the Portland Manager. In 1980 Kathi and I were married. Although we had been together since high school, the marriage lasted all of six months! Kathi wound up moving to...Expand for more