We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Lukenbill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have worked for startups in the past and love the creativity, agile nature of entrepreneurship. I saw a real need in the gap between the type of players that are emerging in sports like Golf, Pickleball, Tennis etc, and where the education side of the industry was. There was a real opportunity to introduce technology to solve some major issues and frankly I was struggling with corporate culture and wanted to leave my mark on the world.. or at least try. I didnt want to look back in 20 years with regret.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I spent a majority of my career helping start up companies solve technology gaps in the Transportation industry. I, like most people, started in an entry level position when my career first began. I think being an athlete when I was younger helped me uncover a “mode” that allows me to eliminate all other distractions and full focus and give 100% on my objective. I applied those principles everyday at work and out performed my peers. That allowed me to grow and advance very fast. Throughout that journey, since I was giving max effort everyday, leaders in the company were willing to listen to my ideas. I earned an audience so to speak. I think that applies in most companies, if you give that organization full effort, leaders will want to listen and get you involved as it shows you care about their success. My professional career was very successful but not fulfilling. I found a passion in changing the sports education industry and making it more accessible for everyone. Applying my unmatched work ethic will propel Mpruv Sports above its competition.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im not sure if this question is designed for Dallas area or not. We are headquartered in KC but expanding to Dallas next month, so I will give you my KC itinerary.

To Do’s – Pickleball at Char Bar followed by some BBQ, round of Golf at Falcon Lakes Golf course, Board night game at my place, KC Monarchs game (if they are playing), Tailgating at Arrowhead on Sunday
Food – Jack Stack BBQ, Mexican food at Rodeo in Basehor, head to Strange Hall for a combination place that houses several different restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my wife. She is an amazing partner, mother, spouse who has been a tremendous sounding board and support center for this. Being an entrepreneur is a thankless, lonely role and having someone like her has made it easier. Additionally, I want to call out a movie from 2008, early in my career, called Yes Man. The main theme of the move is that a person attends a seminar and adopts its practices to say YES to every opportunity that comes up. For me, I take that same philosophy that if I have a chance, take it. Most of the time its a good experience and even if its poor, I can still learn something.

Website: www.mpruvsports.com

Instagram: @mpruv_sports, @mpruvsports (after Feb 11th)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lukenbill-jr/, https://www.linkedin.com/companympruvsports

Youtube: @mpruvsports

Image Credits
Matt Doud, Ashley Mizel, Steve Pope, Mark Lukenbill, Adam Courtney

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.