He’s a Hit in IT
Mark Watson Wins President’s Service Award
If you told Mark Watson he’d won the President’s Service Award, he’d probably smile and say something like, “Oh wow, that’s really cool.” Then he’d get right back to work helping someone troubleshoot an issue without missing a beat.
That’s just the kind of person Mark is, according to his manager, Jeff Curl, director of enterprise IT solutions. Calm under pressure, outgoing with everyone, and completely dedicated to service, Mark, as a regional IT support manager, has built a reputation as someone who not only solves problems but also makes people feel better while doing it. In the high-pressure world of IT, where issues range from hardware glitches to security concerns, people respond to individual needs and lead software implementations, that’s no small feat.
“Even when he wasn’t in a leadership role, I didn’t have to manage him,” Jeff said. “He just takes ownership. He’s a great example of what we want IT to be—accessible, supportive and proactive.”
Based in the Akron, Ohio, office for the past three years, Mark started as a regional IT support tech before being promoted in November 2024 to lead the Eastern support team. In both roles, he’s led by doing: fixing issues fast, creating and assuring relationships with end users, and walking people through solutions so they learn and gain confidence. One nominator noted, “He doesn’t make you feel dumb for asking questions. He explains what he’s doing and why. He’s one of the kindest people in the Akron office.”
That approach extends beyond everyday support. Mark was instrumental in leading the multiphase Appspace rollout across 27 locations—a large-scale IT/marketing project that involved vendor coordination, device installation, and remote training. But the value he brought to the company didn’t end there. When he realized the rented devices didn’t meet performance or security standards, he proactively proposed a fix: replace them with company-owned units. That move not only improved quality and control, but it also saved the company an estimated $27,000 annually.
Mark’s ability to lead, teach, and connect is why his peers nominated him—and why they’re so thrilled he’s being recognized. As Jeff put it: “He doesn’t just fix things—he makes people feel confident, heard, and taken care of.”
Or as another teammate summed it up: “Mark rules.”
