Business file: Mark L. Powell / AlwaysOnline.net

Name: Mark L. Powell

Occupation: CEO/AlwaysOnline.net

Capital-Gazette Newspaper, August 20, 2001

Business information: AlwaysOnline.net, 326 First Street, Suite 26, Annapolis, MD 21403. Mpowell@alwaysonline.net. www.alwaysonline.net, www.velocitydocs.com, 410-280-1826.

Personal information: "I was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland. I came to the Annapolis area in 1979 as a Plebe at the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating in 1983, I left Annapolis as a Marine Corps. Officer. I met my wife Lynne Kerr, a Severna Park native, in 1985, while studying at the University of Maryland for an MBA. We have lived in Severna Park since 1986. We have two daughters, Stephanie, 13 years, and Lindsay, 10 years."

Specialties/Nature of business: "AlwaysOnline.net specializes in bringing the potential of the internet to traditional businesses, creating efficiency and saving costs. Our newest product, VelocityDocs.com, enables firms of all types to store, transfer and retrieve documents, data and images from any internet connection. Sales of this new service have been tremendous. We have developed a wireless high-speed internet access service in downtown Annapolis and Eastport. Additionally, we have built a number of Wireless networks for businesses over the past year. We also provide hosting services for web sites and applications firms throughout the U.S and internationally."

How I got into my current line of work: "While serving as the Managing Partner of Chesapeake Marketing Group, I began working with two young and bright technologists, Vincent Hardick and Jason Silva, on several projects. We formed AlwaysOnlinet.net in September of 1999."

Business history: "Formed our firm in 1999 and purchased the assets of Sitestar Corporation in January 2000. Completely rebuilt our network infrastructure during the first 12 months of operation, while increasing sales substantially. We achieved profitability within 12 months. Recently launched VelocityDocs.com."

Recent accomplishments: "Lynne and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary in July. She is the greatest person that I have ever met!"

What I like most about my work: "The creativity of our staff and our clients. We have been able to design some interesting and novel approaches with our clients."

What I like least about my work: 12-16 hour work days.

Business philosophy: "Our goal is to make our clients businesses more successful by creating innovative and affordable technology solutions. We married innovation and traditional business practices to create terrific services."

Five year business goal: "Our goal is to sustain our current rate of growth and continue to create efficient solutions for businesses."

First job: "At the age of eleven, I began picking up trash at the Freeze King in Frederick, Maryland for $1 per day. I held this job until I left at the age of 17."

Worst job: "I spent four summers working in an ice house, making ice."

Person who influenced me most and why: "Lawrence M. Powell, my father. He was orphaned at a young age, volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He participated in 8 amphibious assaults, including H-Hour on Omaha Beach in Normandy. His unit was directly at the spot where the first combat sequence of "Saving Private Ryan' was reenacted. If he could thrive after the challenges that he faced as a young man, my challenges are relatively inconsequential. He and my mother were married for 49 years before he died in 1996."

In my spare time I enjoy: "Being with my family. Watching my daughters play sports. I volunteer time with the Hospice of the Chesapeake. I am the Chairman of the Foundation Board".

Special hobbies: Collecting Sports Cards.

What I like best about Severna Park: "I grew up in a traditional small town. Severna Park has the same feeling of community and caring about your neighbors. I cannot imagine living elsewhere."

Last book read and author: Reread Admiral Arleigh Burke, by E.B. Potter. "I enjoy biographies of people who overcame tremendous adversity."

Favorite or last movie: "Citizen Kane, I like to re-watch it often to remind me that my family and friends are the most important aspect of my life."

Favorite restaurant: Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse. "Great food and wonderful people! Thanks, Mr. Yung."

Most recent vacation: "Long family weekend to Williamsburg, Virginia. Busch Gardens and the Water Park."

If I could change one thing in my life: "I would have more time to spend with my family."