Hey there - I’m Mark.

I lead teams that build trust, move fast, and get hard things done.

Whether it’s scaling CX locally or globally, launching a new product with legal and engineering in the loop, or redesigning workflows to cut support volume in half, I’ve done it. And I’ve loved it.

I believe leadership is about creating momentum by giving people a reason to care, the tools to succeed, and the clarity to move forward. That’s what I do best.

Take a look around, and if something resonates, let’s talk.

— Mark

Former Educator,
Now Startup Operator.
Building Teams,
Trust,
and Systems

Mark R Mercer signature.
Any organization will level-up almost instantly by having a person like Mark on their team.
— Ben Maitland-Lewis, Director of SB, SVB
Mark turns customer success into customer delight.
— Andres Kupervaser Gould, Founder, The Network
Mark is one of those difficult-to-find millennials who just gets it. Feeling as though you are walking in your customer’s shoes, comes naturally to Mark. I’ve watched him smooth over questionable situations with grace and expedition more times than I can count. With that said, Mark’s ability to lead and coach is what really makes him stand out.
— Jeff Dion, Founder, CCQ
Mark R Mercer photograph.

My Story. So far.

I’ve led programs with over 650 people in the arts, a team of 50+ in retail, and a cross-functional startup team. Directed grand champion show choirs, achieved high-performing retail teams within a region, and redesigned investor workflows. Managed 250 volunteers, transformed selling strategies, and launched Wefunder's CX in the EU.

The common thread? I lead with heart, systems, and the drive to make something excellent, often from scratch.

For 13 years, I worked in public education, where I built and scaled nationally recognized music and theater programs from the ground up. I wasn’t just “teaching,” I was mentoring, performance reviewing, building culture, delegating, prioritizing, budgeting, marketing, scaling, building, problem-solving, and executive-producing. I led programs featuring over 650 student performers, oversaw more than 250 volunteers, and produced over 50 full-scale theatrical productions. My students and teams won awards for Best Set Design, Best Show Concept, Best Band, Best Costuming, Best Vocals, Best Tech Crew, Best Soloist, Best Choreography, and brought home multiple Grand Champion titles.

I was nominated nationally for Most Up-and-Coming Director and Most Promising Program, and I received the Yellow Rose Award for my work with students with special needs. Additionally, I was recognized with numerous grants and a Teacher of the Year award. I also founded and managed Revolution Theatre Company, a for-profit theater company, as its Executive Director. I produced community shows, including a national competition that brought in over 35 competing teams from more than 10 states and attracted over 5,000 spectators. I relentlessly fundraised and created inclusive spaces for underrepresented students. Furthermore, I founded a non-profit organization to raise funds for the programs I developed.

That chapter taught me how to lead people, manage complexity, fundraise under pressure, and rally communities around a shared vision. And then I pivoted from school hallways and stage lights to customer experience, tech, and startup life.

I began my career in retail leadership roles at companies such as Best Buy, West Elm, and Express, where I managed large teams, led customer engagement initiatives, and significantly improved our YoY sales. I restructured floor operations, redesigned policies, and coached teams that consistently exceeded performance metrics.

Eventually, I landed at Wefunder, a YC-backed fintech startup that helps everyday people invest in the startups they believe in. I joined as an early CX hire and went on to build and lead the entire Customer Experience and Customer Success Org here in the US, as well as when we expanded into Europe.

At Wefunder, I’ve:

  • Cut support volume by 57%

  • Improved response times by over 100,000%

  • Built tailored playbooks for investors (VIPs, small-dollar, repeat, white-glove)

  • Led cross-functional product launches and compliance initiatives

  • Managed disbursement and onboarding systems, reducing time-to-value by 50%

  • Planned multi-day offsites for 40+ team members, including travel, lodging, meals, and activities

  • Improved online reputations by over 80%

  • Spearheaded page redesigns: from gathering feedback and writing specs to testing, QA, and launch

I've been the person who steps in when something doesn't have an owner, whether that's HR systems, legal/compliance projects, or cultural initiatives. I wear a lot of hats, and I wear them well.

At my core, I love building systems that let people shine, whether that’s a student stepping into the spotlight for the first time or an investor having a seamless, VIP experience with a company they believe in.

Mark does not easily yield to challenges and obstacles. When he has a vision of how he can create an excellent experience, he summons the will, and he finds the way
— Joe Wright, Teacher and Coach