Investor Spotlight: Beck


August 22, 2016



BeckFounded in 1912, Beck offers a full spectrum of commercial professional services, including development, planning, architecture, interior design, construction, and sustainability consulting. Headquartered in Dallas, Beck maintains a large national team and a network of offices in Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Fort Worth, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Tampa. The firm’s notable projects in recent years include USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) in Tampa.

As the managing director for Beck’s Florida division, Mark House is responsible for all design, construction, and real estate services. He holds a Florida Class “A” General Contractor’s license as well as an engineering degree, specializing in aerospace engineering. In addition to being a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he has an extensive military history that includes service as a Master Parachutist and U.S. Army Ranger. House joined Beck in 1999, developing the firm’s new Integrated Services Division before taking over the role of Chief Human Resource Officer. During his tenure in that role, Beck was selected for various awards honoring a quality work environment, including a ranking on Fortune’s Top Places to Work list.

A strong supporter of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC, House also served as Chair in 2010.

1. Those of us who live here know that Hillsborough County is a great place to live and work. Mark House_BeckWhen you are recruiting top talent from out of market, what aspects of our community are often cited as positive factors influencing their decision to relocate here?
When we talk to people about coming to Tampa, we talk about our exceptional quality of life. There is affordable housing and always something to do, including both professional and college sports. There is now a good downtown life, and restaurants and nightlife are up and coming in the downtown district. Of course, the weather and beaches are also high points, but the biggest thing we talk about is the welcoming atmosphere. Here, anyone can get involved right away in a variety of organizations for both professional and personal interests.

2. What is your favorite aspect of living in Tampa Bay?
Tampa has all of the “big city” characteristics without losing the intimacy and feel of a small town. You have the museums, sports team, and high rises of a big city, but you still have the small restaurants, and you run into the same people at the grocery store. Everyone is warm and friendly, which makes Tampa Bay such a great place to live.

3. Where do you derive the most benefit for yourself and your company as an Investor of the EDC?
We find that being involved and contributing to our community is the biggest benefit to Beck. Networking is good, but being able to work with other high level local executives together on projects or initiatives to make Tampa and Hillsborough County better is great.

4. How has the EDC played a role in helping your business succeed in Tampa and Hillsborough County?
Our business is rewarded by growth of the community and investments in capital assets. There is a direct connection between success in the EDC and our business. As Tampa and Hillsborough County grow and attract new businesses and existing businesses grow, we participate in that growth or offshoots of that growth.

5. What is the number one thing that you believe will impact our region’s competitiveness in the coming decade? 
We must have a plan for public transportation and start doing something about it. We can no longer talk about it; it has become a glaring issue, and companies that look at our area consider it a key factor in determining if the area is second tier or playing in the big leagues. Light rail may not be the answer, but some kind of effort to provide reliable, affordable public transportation must happen, or we will slide backwards and lose the momentum and good reputation the region has.

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