It's not always easy being a parent, especially when your child pursues careers that are daring, life threatening, yet courageous. 'Pats' chose to trust in her son, Mark (MC), and let him follow is dreams.
After one year of college, Mark decided it wasn't for him and with his mother, 'Pats', blessing he went on to becoming a lifeguard at some of the toughest beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and eventually a New York City Fire fighter, Fire House Ladder #25, 11th Battalion.
Though Mark didn't necessarily take the normal career path, his mother always supported him. She could see that Mark had a strong work ethic. There were a number of lessons that Pats instilled in here children, including to always acknowledge and respect others and 'give back' whenever possible.
Unfortunately this interview was recorded prior to the death of Mark's good friend and former boss, Jake Burton Carpenter, creator of Burton Snowboards. My condolences go out to Jake's family and to all the Heingartners. Also, currently the world is in the middle of the COVID-19 outbreak and Mark Heingartner is a first responder in NYC, he is a firefighter (NYC Ladder 25, 11th Battalion). To all our brave first responders, we adore you and thank you from the bottom our our hearts. Stay Home and Stay Safe.