Say Hi to Our Community Ambassador: Mark Roland
Please give a big round of bzzz to our Beacon community ambassador, Mark Roland. A self-described “nonconformist thinker,” Mark is passionate about economics, energy, and the life cycle of civilizations… fluffy stuff like that.
I’m a(n)…
nonconformist thinker, sometimes able to translate that into be-er (don’t lose that hyphen)… and writer, editor, community activist, and bicycle mechanic.
I’m passionate about…
economics, energy, the life cycle of civilizations.
Briefly describe your work.
I’m a bicycle mechanic. I fix flats, adjust gears and brakes, build wheels, put together bikes, stuff like that.
I make art now and then. I like to write. I’m about to start putting together a zine type publication.
What do you love about what you do?
I like tinkering and making things work. I’m not a repair guy prodigy, but it gives me satisfaction to find a solution or fix something. It balances out all that thinking going on in the mind.
With writing, I enjoy organizing my thoughts in a way that engages the reader.
How did you start (your work)?
Last century, when I was living in NYC, I became editor of the Century Road Club newsletter. Then I started a magazine, In Traffic, The Metro Cycling Journal, covering bicycling in the Tri-State area. I was the editor of the American Kennel Club Gazette for a number of years, also Hudson Valley Parent. Most recently I had a column called “Beaconomics” in the Beacon Free Press.
Where do you see your work going in the next year… five?
I’m not much of a planner or seer, so who knows. I’ve been a headhunter, editor, fine art framebuilder, welder, personal trainer, lighting quality specialist, ReStore manager, closet designer, antique store owner, tent and awning man, landscaper, bicycle mechanic, door to door dictionary salesman, and a few more.
What do you like best about Beahive?
It’s important to have places where people can meet and get to know one another in their own neighborhood. Working from home is great, but occasionally less than inspiring. Going to a shared work environment forces you to use those nice clothes you bought for your last “real” job.
What’s your favorite thing about the local community?
The Beacon hive recently relocated to its fabulous new digs, but I’ve already attended a few community gatherings in the space, and it always feels comfortable and relaxed.
I’m looking forward to meeting all the Beacon Beahive members over the next few months.
Anything else you want us to know?
I like to read. I recently finished Ivan Illich: An Intellectual Journey, by David Cayley, My Antonia, by Willa Cather, and Practical Mysticism, by Evelyn Underhill. I’m slowly making my way through The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature, by William James.
But I could probably just read the same two or three books every few months, because I’m not great at retention. I really should take notes.
Join BEAHIVE’s Community Ambassador Program. In exchange for your help, we’ll support you with membership, resources and meaningful connections.
