Meet Buckwheat (Mark Flanders)
January 13th, 2007
Buckwheat is not my real name. That may surprise you. But it’s not. Buckwheat is a term of endearment bestowed upon me by Sparky, for reasons I have never known. I don’t remember Sparky’s real name. It’s too much trouble to try. “Sparky” works for me and he answers when I call him by that name.
Sparky spent years in Kansas, so that might explain his preoccupation with grain in general and buckwheat in particular. He stuck me with the label “Buckwheat” some time ago, never explained it, and continues to call me that to this day. Go figure. I gave up trying to figure it out. I’m Buckwheat and that’s the way of the world.
Mark is my real name, you already know my nickname. I work as a full time Commercial Loan Officer for Olympic Northwest Mortgage in Washington State. In the last five decades I have been many things. At this time in my life I am the father of two magnificent young men and husband to a beautiful Italian woman. That is how I define myself; husband and father. I don’t think I will ever accomplish anything more important in my life than to do my best in those two roles. My two most loyal friends are Boxers (the four legged type, not the gloved sort). They have taught me many things about leadership and loyalty. My journey so far has led me through times when I was called a:
- sous chef
- pastry chef
- automobile dealer
- automobile wholesaler
- owner of a janitorial company
- finance manager
- finance director
- seo expert (a contradiction in terms)
- sales manager
- sales trainer
- dog trainer
- website designer (amateur)
It’s been a long and interesting ride.
I’ll finish this biography (yawn) the next time I’m feeling egocentric. Nobody reads these, do they?
WARNING!: This Bio is being temporarily ‘hijacked!’ by Sparky.
Since Mark isn’t the type to ‘toot’ his own horn, I figured I’d jump in here and ‘toot’ it for him! As a licensed real estate agent, you learn the importance and value of having your clients working with a Loan Officer who is knowledgeable, ethical, and hard working. In all of my experiences, Mark is by far one of the most qualified, proficient, and honest individuals I have ever worked with. We both share the same passion and drive for the relentless representation of our client’s best interests. And in those instances when someone throws in a last minute financing curve-ball, Mark steps up quickly to the plate, and creatively explores every possible option in order to achieve a timely resolve. Whenever I refer one of my clients to Mark, I know for certainty that they will receive highly competitive rates, detailed care and service, and honest answers.
In addition to his demonstrated abilities in Mortgage Lending, Mark is also a skilled WebMaster, having designed and constructed from scratch dozens of well-ranked web/blog sites. He understands the ever-changing nuances of Search Engine Optimization, and knows how to efficiently array/streamline a website in order to achieve maximum results. Mark understands many of the basic programming languages, including HTML, Javascript, PHP, and constantly strives to gain proficiency in new languages such as FLEX.
Co-authoring this blog with Mark is a fun and satisfying adventure! I am truly honored to call him my friend!
Rich and Mark I can not believe I actually stumbled across this post two years later! It was an interesting read for sure:)
Nathan, please check your email. I have sent instructions to you. You can contact me here if you have any trouble, or simply reply to the email.
Mark
Chris, good luck with your home purchase. It is a great feeling to know that all the time spent writing helps people like you. I appreciate the time you took to leave a comment.
Dear Mr. Flanders (Buckwheat)
I am involved with the Central Stage Theatre of County Kitsap and understand that you designed their website. I also understand that you can reset the usernames and passwords of the player profiles. That being the case, when I first claimed my profile, I used a now unactive e-mail adress and do not remember what my username or password is and the old e-mail account is no longer accesable to me to retrieve this information. That said I cannot use my profile now and was wondering if you could reset the information so that I can start over.
this would mean alot to me and I thank you for your time.
I just wanted to thank you guys for the information on this site. We are currently in escrow for a house in California which we are using a VA loan for financing. You articles really helped me to better understand the VA appraisal process, I hope to get our VA report in the next few days and I have heard horror stories so I was a bit worried. The home is in great shape, I just hope the value comes back ok in this market. Thanks again Guys!
Oh, it’s worse than that Chris. For about 6 months this page ranked #1 on Google for buckwheat! It was beating out all the websites that have something to do with grain as well as websites that had to do with the “Our Gang” fans.
Can you believe this page showed up in a google search for “buck wheat horn tooter”?
Mark, how come your email and phone numbers aren’t on this page???
Buckwheat – It could have been soybean or spelt. Count your blessings.
Hi Buckwheat and Sparky,
I have been to your site several times, but today was able to take the time and really look into it. You two are terrific! I will definitely be back often, your both a real inspiration to those of us learning the online world of blogging. Buckwheat, your missed over at AR!
Hi Kelli,
I’m glad you like it. And it would be terrific if you came back often. Just jump right in and make yourself at home. Sometimes we’re all business-like and serious; but, we try to keep it to a minimum!
Jim Cronin?
So far, we’re having fun with the site. As far as ‘captivating’ goes…..I printed this out so I can prove to my wife that she married a captivating guy!
THE Jim Cronin? As in : The Real Estate Tomato Cronin? I’ll be darned! It’s good to see you visiting our little corner of cyberspace. Thanks for the encouragement.
Mark & Rich,
You two are toooooo much but I’m lovin it. This is my first visit to soundbite but definitely will not be last!
By the way Mark, I also love boxers, particularly mine. Miss Roxy Dahl is a beautiful brindle-2 years old. Only problem is she doesn’t know she’s a dog yet : ) Go figure….
Mark,
I love the site. Colorful, creative, attractive, intuitive and most importantly stuffed with captivating writing. Keep up the excellent job.
Mark,
Thanks for stopping by the consumer-oriented blog post the other day. Like a fool I deleted the e-mail, so thought I’d post here to help out.
Don’t be intimidated by the Carnival. A sample would be the , that I posted this morning.Do you need to change anything to post? Nope. Never.
What should I submit? Whatever you feel is your best post of the past two weeks – that has a consumer-focused theme.
But I’m not a great writer… So? I don’t care how good a writer you are, there is always someone that you think is better. Remember how you thought those “popular kids” had it all together in high school, and later you realized they were just as lost as you? Well this is the same way…
Hope that helps! Have a wonderful weekend and hope to have a submission from the Sparky and Buckwheat show!
Toby
Introverted…is that like when your belly button goes inwards?
Lisa, it was really fun talking to you today. Thanks for your thoughtful call. Mark’s the Techno-Geek, I’m the dashing, engaging, socially-gifted, and market-savvy one. We would love to have you become a regular visitor!
uh,…Bucky, you need to finish this “profile” soon. People will think that you’re just this introverted Techno-Geek.
You two guys do such a great job! You make me want to fly Rich so I can come out to WA to have a bite at this place! I wish I could be as clever and as big of a Techno-Geek as you two. Now I guess I’ll be putting this Blog on my Favorites and paying closer attention here than the AR site.
Awe now you’ve gone and made me hungry! I gotta go cook something up!
I hate writing about myself. I’d rather make fun of you. Can’t I just skip it?
uh…Buckwheat?…so, do we actually get to learn “about Buckwheat” in the “About Buckwheat” section???