Congrats to Mark Llano on this appointment to Florida’s Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council!
When Mark isn’t racing his Porsche for Team Serket, he’s out and about mentoring his fellow Veterans and helping them get a leg up.
Posts Tagged ‘Mark Llano’
Mark Llano Accepts Appointment by Florida Governor Rick Scott
Sunday, April 24th, 2016SERKET Racing – “A Lap With A Hero”
Wednesday, September 25th, 2013SERKET Racing’s Mark Llano took Travis Clennon for a lap at Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas. Travis is a former Army Staff Sergeant and was wounded by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan, and was awarded The Purple Heart for his bravery. On September 21, 2013, Travis was given a home due to the efforts of Operation Homefront, Wells Fargo, and SERKET Racing.
Veteran Family Receives New Home At Grand Prix Of Baltimore
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013I am always impressed with the work that Mark Llano does on behalf of his fellow Veterans. This past weekend, SERKET Racing working with philanthropic partner Operation Homefront and sponsor Wells Fargo Capital Finance made a motor sports first. They gave away the keys to a home, mortgage free. And this is the first of three homes that will be given to Veterans and their families.
SERKET Racing made a first-time homeowner out of Veteran Army Specialist Joseph Saunders and his family this Labor Day weekend.
By working with philanthropic partner Operation Homefront and sponsor Wells Fargo Capital Finance, SERKET Racing was able to present keys to a mortgage-free home to the Veteran and his wife at the start/finish line of the Grand Prix of Baltimore. The Saunders were welcomed to the track by a sea of ecstatic race fans applauding their sacrifices for our country.
The shared mission of raising support and awareness for veterans and their families brought the SERKET Racing, Operation Homefront and Wells Fargo Capital Finance trio together. Each organization boasts programs that are uniquely designed to help veteran families conquer hardships their loved ones face upon returning home.
“Our mission at SERKET Racing is to raise funds and awareness for veterans and their families and this is our first step towards that goal,” said SERKET Racing driver and former Marine Mark Llano. “Members of the racing community in Baltimore have always been avid supporters of our troops, so we felt that hosting the event at the Grand Prix of Baltimore would be perfect. I’d also like to express my gratitude to Operation Homefront, Wells Fargo, the rest of our sponsors and our fans for their continued support of our mission — we could not do this without you.”
Operation Homefront’s participation in the ceremony gave racing fans an opportunity to show their support for America’s best and bravest. The non-profit spent this race season working closely with the SERKET Racing team to raise awareness and assistance for veterans on and off the track. Most recently the two teamed up with Hertz to award free car rental vouchers to veterans receiving homes.
Jim Knotts, President and CEO of Operation Homefront, expressed the organization’s gratitude and excitement for SERKET Racing’s support of their mission:
“Operation Homefront appreciates our ongoing partnership with Wells Fargo, and we’re thrilled to be teammates with a vet like Mark Llano,” said Knotts. “SERKET Racing’s commitment and dedication to bring awareness to our military families is obvious on many levels, and Llano and the number 24 car are great ambassadors for the needs of our military men and women.”
Wells Fargo Capital Finance also has deep-rooted ties to aiding the families of our servicemen and women. Their sponsorship of SERKET Racing has opened new avenues of opportunities to aid those who serve. This year, 25 percent of the Wells Fargo Capital Finance sponsorship funding was donated from SERKET Racing back to veterans in need.
“It is an honor for Wells Fargo to work with organizations such as SERKET Racing and Operation Homefront that strive to enrich the lives of the amazing men, women and their families who sacrifice for our country,” said Dave Marrin, head of government services, Wells Fargo Capital Finance. “Wells Fargo has been helping military members and veterans succeed financially for more than 150 years. Wells Fargo Capital Finance is proud to help military service members and veterans reach their business goals.”
The trio agrees that the opportunity to help the Saunders family and hand the keys over was worth a year of planning. SERKET Racing, Operation Homefront and Wells Fargo will next award a veteran with a home at Circuit of the Americas for the Super Endurance Weekend Sept. 20-22.
To join the SERKET Racing mission please follow the team on Twitter at @serketracing and on Facebook. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #WarriorsLivebyaCode.
Racer Mark Llano Faithful to Marine Corps Past
Monday, March 4th, 2013Source One Distributor‘s CEO Mark Llano is a pretty interesting guy. Not only does he run one of the Special Operations TLS contractors and spend a great deal of personal time and resources supporting his fellow Veterans but turns out he’s also a race car driver.
It’s been said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Veteran and SERKET driver Mark Llano has brought that philosophy from the United States Marine Corps to the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama.
The former Marine decided to pursue the challenge of racing when he heard the roar of the fully throttled engines at the 2012 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona.
“I remember Daytona, when I heard those engines for the first time. I remember being inspired by the competition and the camaraderie on the track and how it reminded me of my time in the Marine Corps. Then I thought, this could be a great way to inspire people,” said Llano. “This could be a great way to inspire veterans. And by competing we could help raise awareness and funds that assist those veterans achieve the American dream they have fought for so long to protect.”
If there’s one person who undoubtedly understands the American dream, it may be Llano. He emerged from an impoverished childhood to become a model citizen with countless awards and achievements on his resume. Llano is motivated to influence those who are in need by developing a legacy of hope.
“As a boy growing up in challenging circumstances, I have learned in my life that where you come from doesn’t define where you will end up,” said Llano. “If you aren’t afraid of the challenge of the unknown, you can achieve great success.”
Through a partnership with NGT Motorsport, Llano is determined to accomplish this mission. NGT Motorsport was the recommended race team for Llano because of their professionalism and commitment to racing, as well as their fierce drive to win.
Llano’s drive doesn’t only come from within. His grandfather reminded him consistently “if you believe in who you are, you will become what you believe.” Llano continues to remind himself of that advice daily.
That gift of wisdom has paid off. Llano is now a Marine veteran, race car driver in the largest single-make series in the world, and President and CEO of Source One Distributors, a leading provider of products and equipment to the armed services and law enforcement.
Though military service is an important part of Llano’s business, it’s not just a business for the Gulf War veteran. Llano has held onto his military service through his distinguished Marine Corps bond of Semper Fidelis, a Latin term signifying the transformation to a Marine that cannot be undone. This term translates to specifically mean “always faithful.” Llano has remained faithful to his military cause with a determination to always live by the ethics and values of the Corps.
“I plan on leaving a legacy in the 2013 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge by Yokohama season through excellence and achievement on the race track translating into an increase in support and awareness for our veterans and their families within IMSA, its competitors and its fan base,” he said.
Llano embodies his passion for military service with his mission to dedicate 25 percent of sponsorship to organizations dedicated to veteran support. The philanthropic partners Llano will represent during the 2013 season include Extreme Couture GI Foundation, Executive Bootcamp for Veteran’s and Operation Homefront. Because of his earnest loyalty to philanthropy, the Florida-native was recently honored with a key to the Village of Wellington, Florida.
With a high and tight haircut and a camouflage-wrapped Porsche Cup Car, Llano is easy to spot in the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge paddock. But both cosmetic details serve a strategic purpose in the former Marine’s pursuit to raise military awareness.
“In 2012, we were very excited to enter into a relationship with Crye Precision who made the MultiCam® pattern car wrap possible,” said Llano. “With their commitment to creating high quality products that keep our soldiers safe in the field, and their dedication to the veterans’ community, Crye Precision embodies the very ideals that SERKET Racing was founded on: excellence and dedication.”
The camouflage Porsche GT3 Cup car is one of a kind and Llano has dedicated its originality to serve an important role in a mission to honor service members of the military.
“For CRYE Precision, the MultiCam camouflage pattern is a source of pride,” said the SERKET racing driver. “The unconventional design and innovation that it was born from has proven to be effective in protecting the lives of our servicemen and women. We want the fans to know that this camouflage represents our military’s sacrifice and that SERKET Racing is an ambassador for their needs.”
Above all, Llano will make his entrance with a statement at the opening race of the 2013 IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge season. With a clearly declared mission for excellence in exchange for military support, expect to hear an “Oorah!” battle cry from the SERKET/NGT Racing Porsche Cup car as the first green flag waves in Sebring for the 61st Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring Fueled by Fresh from Florida March 13-16.
Follow the team at serketracing.com.
Source One Distributors CEO & President Awarded Key to the City of Wellington, Florida
Friday, February 15th, 2013
We found out last night that Source One Distributors, Inc CEO & President Mark Llano was awarded the very first Key to the City of Wellington, Florida during an awards ceremony earlier this week. Turns out, this year is also Source One’s 10th Anniversary. It seems like just yesterday I had first met Mark. He’s a great guy, who’s built a fantastic business. And that would probably be enough for many, but Mark gives back. He supports Veterans who follow his footsteps, transitioning into business as well as his local community.
“I was very honored to have accepted this award on behalf of Source One,” said Mr. Llano, a Marine veteran. “Whether its volunteering at a wreath laying ceremony or sponsoring a monument honoring our troops, at Source One we have always believed in “giving back,” and we will continue to do so. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Wellington Village Council who, in my mind, have done an outstanding job in making Wellington the place to live in South Florida.”
The text below is from the issued proclamation:
“A Proclamation of the Village Council of Wellington, Florida Honoring Wellington business owner and philanthropist Mark Llano and presenting him with a “Key To The City”
Mr. Llano was presented with the “Key to the City” of Wellington, Florida by the Wellington Village Council.
WHEREAS, a “Key to the City” is given to honor and thank esteemed residents, visitors or organizations who have made a notable impact on the community; and
WHEREAS, Mark Llano, a Florida native, joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from the University of South Florida, and is a Veteran who served in the Gulf War; and
WHEREAS, In September of 2001, Mr. Llano moved his family to Wellington and in 2003, founded Source One, a Wellington business with over 40 employees and is recognized as the industry leader in military tactical gear distribution. He and his business are committed to supporting the men and women in the armed services who are working to keep our homeland secure; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Llano is also a philanthropist who actively volunteers in his community, whether in his neighborhood or as a Little League and football coach and serves on various boards, board of directors and sponsors military charities, organizations and community projects; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Llano has received numerous recognitions and awards for his accomplishments as a small business entrepreneur and is truly a role model for all residents, children and business owners in the community.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Village Council of Wellington, Florida hereby honors Wellington business owner and philanthropist Mark Llano and presents him with a “Key to the City”.
Source One CEO & President Mark Llano Joins Veterans’ Pathway Board of Directors
Friday, January 25th, 2013Veterans’ Pathway to Business Success is a non-profit, entrepreneurial grant program for Florida’s Veterans who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq. They announced recently that highly decorated Marine veteran Mark Llano, President and CEO of Source One Distributors, has joined its Board of Directors. Mark served in the Gulf War and has been presented with many entrepreneurial awards during his time at Source One, including the National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Vetrepreneur® of the Year Award, the United States Small Business Administration’s Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year Award (Florida) and the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2011 Florida Award (Distribution & Manufacturing). According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
Recipients of grants from Veterans’ Pathway are Veteran entrepreneurs who are hoping to start their own business or who have an established business and are seeking funding for expansion. The main requirements for receiving funding are for Veterans who:
• have served in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001;
• have, or are eligible for, an honorable discharge;
• reside in Florida and can provide proof of residency; and
• present a detailed business plan for eventual approval by the Veterans’ Pathway Board of Directors.
Major General Joe Taluto, US Army Retired and Vice President of the Veterans Pathway Board of Directors commented, “We believe Mark Llano will bring immense value to Veterans’ Pathway mission. Not only is he a highly respected and decorated Marine, he has achieved great professional success as an entrepreneur following his military service. Mark exemplifies the business leader we want our Veterans to become: Entrepreneurs with the vision, determination and leadership skills to succeed.” Major General Taluto went on to say that “I am greatly impressed by Mark’s life story, the adversity he overcame and the courage and skill it took to build a successful business. I have met many great leaders over my 44 years of military service. Mark’s character and integrity ranks with some of the best I have known.”
Source One Sponsors NFTE’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Alumni Fund
Monday, February 27th, 2012
As you know, Source One Distributors is a big supporter of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program. Source One has teamed up with Ernst & Young to inspire young people from low-income communities to stay in school, to recognize business opportunities and to plan for successful futures.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Yearâ„¢ Awards in 2011, Ernst & Young created a special fund in honor of Source One President & CEO Mark Llano and the more than 8,000 winners of the prestigious award. The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Alumni Fundhas been established to help students from low-income backgrounds fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams.
The Fund will reward top NFTE (Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship) students with college scholarships. It will also support high school entrepreneurship classes across the country through NFTE’s Adopt-A-Class program. These investments will significantly advance NFTE’s long-term goals for supporting the entrepreneurial endeavors of low-income youth along with their teachers.to helping young people achieve their potential through education as well as entrepreneurship.
“We are very excited about working with Ernst & Young and the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship to help support these incredible students as they achieve their own entrepreneurial dreams,†said Source One President & Mark Llano. “Helping provide scholarships and funding for entrepreneurial ventures at this stage is crucial to sustaining America’s great tradition of business excellence and we are honored to be involved.â€
For more information please visit: www.nfte.com/ey
Source One Distributors CEO Mark Llano Selected as Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
Sunday, April 10th, 2011The US Small Business Administration South Florida District Office has selected Mark Allen Llano, President & CEO of Source One Distributors, Inc. as the 2011 District, State of Florida and Region IV Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year.
He was selected from a competitive field of several successful veteran entrepreneurs from the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee for his personal efforts and achievements in advocating for and advancing business ownership opportunities among veterans.
Although he is running a multi-million dollar company providing products and equipment to US military bases worldwide, Mr. Llano also frequently donates his time and resources to better help numerous veterans achieve entrepreneurial success. Whether teaching an Entrepreneurship Workshop at Palm Beach State College, sponsoring the Florida State University Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans or serving on the Florida Veterans’ Advisory Council, Mr. Llano has dedicated himself to sharing his business experiences and encouraging veterans to the same level of success he has achieved.
He will be honored for his achievement on May 17, 2011 during the 3rd Space Coast Entrepreneur Summit hosted by Congressman Bill Posey. The event will be held at the Florida Institute of Technology in the Hartley Room on the 2nd Floor of the Denius Student Center.
Congratulations Mark!
