MARK PARFITT
Business Strategist. Educator. Community Volunteer.
I’m passionate about going against the grain. Being different is the only way to stand out – in life and in business. Convincing others to step outside their comfort zones isn’t easy, but I’ve found it to be an exciting and rewarding career path. Yes, some days I get in trouble for being outside the box. But the flip side is that I also get to be one of the few who can truly say that I love what I do. From ditching traditional education models and bringing business alive in my college classes to encouraging business leaders to imagine the impossible, I’ve learned how to turn chaos into opportunity, always think strategically, and never give up on the underdog. Like many people, my professional journey has been full of unexpected twists and turns, but there’s not one thing I would change about it.
In 2013, I founded Fitt Talent, a consulting firm focused on helping businesses in smaller towns and rural areas take on talent management challenges. There are lots of experts and agencies that are well-positioned to help employers in major cities with large talent pools. My specialization is helping employers outside major metro regions attract and retain talented and competitive workforces.
When not traveling throughout the Mid-Atlantic meeting with clients, you’ll find me in the classroom – I currently teach businesses courses at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and online for American Military University, American Public University, and Southern New Hampshire University.
For me, “home” is State College, Pennsylvania, a classic college town affectionately nicknamed Happy Valley. If your travels ever bring you near the intersection of Interstates 80 and 99, track me down and I’ll be happy to give you a quick tour, meet up for a seasonal beer at Champs Sports Grill, a slice of Margarita’s pizza, or some world-famous Penn State ice cream (it’s where Ben & Jerry learned to make ice cream).