“Driven to change the world for good through innovation and connection.”
Mark L. Thompson is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of cross-sector experience in sales, marketing, operations, and organizational transformation. Known for his unwavering integrity and visionary thinking, Mark has consistently elevated the organizations he’s served—spanning Fortune 500 corporations, fast-growth ventures, and mission-driven nonprofits. His leadership philosophy is deeply grounded in Christian values and a disciplined commitment to excellence. As a pattern-spotter and systems thinker, he excels at uncovering hidden operational efficiencies and connecting disparate ideas to generate new value. His ability to lead with both purpose and precision has made him a respected force in the realms of revenue strategy and team development.
Mark’s career began with Xerox, where he spent over two decades in progressively senior roles spanning sales, finance, operations, and brand management. During his tenure, he led division-wide initiatives that delivered measurable financial growth by transforming underperforming teams into high-output units. His capacity to build consensus while driving results enabled him to maintain high retention rates, streamline demand forecasting, and foster client relationships at the executive level. Xerox became a crucible in which Mark refined his strengths in consultative selling, cross-functional leadership, and P&L oversight.
Following his tenure at Xerox, Mark transitioned into entrepreneurship—launching several ventures that aligned with his evolving passion for helping businesses overcome growth barriers. As the Founder and CEO of The Insurance Toolbox and The Thompson Agency, he offered innovative solutions that combined traditional financial products with strategic consulting. These ventures emphasized Mark’s ability to empathize with complex client needs while designing custom-fit, scalable solutions. His ventures became known not just for strong financial performance but for their human-centered approach—underscoring his belief that sustainable business success is rooted in trust, clarity, and consistent follow-through.
In 2017, Mark founded Level Up Consulting, a firm built to empower businesses that had plateaued in their growth journey. As Managing Partner, he provides fractional CRO services, guiding organizations through the intricacies of lead generation, sales system design, and performance optimization. His proprietary framework, centered on personalized micro-scripts and discovery of sales process inflection points, has revitalized stagnant pipelines and reenergized teams. Level Up’s success reflects Mark’s unique combination of coaching acumen, operational rigor, and storytelling mastery—turning confusion into clarity and potential into profit.
Mark’s influence continued to grow during his time as Director of Sales Division at BJ’s Wholesale Club. In this role, he architected the company’s revenue growth strategy, integrating operations, sales, order desks, and marketing to unlock double-digit year-over-year expansion. His cross-disciplinary approach united siloed departments, reinforced accountability structures, and fostered a culture of shared ownership. BJ’s benefited not only from his technical strategy but also from his emotional intelligence—qualities that continue to distinguish Mark in high-stakes leadership environments.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mark has devoted significant energy to nonprofit leadership and service. As a long-standing board member and former moderator (board president equivalent) of Crossroads Fellowship in North Carolina—a $6M annual nonprofit—he brought operational clarity and fiduciary discipline to the boardroom. He has also played a key role on the finance sub-committee, ensuring sustainable stewardship of resources. In parallel, Mark serves on the board of Missions Thrift Store in Raleigh, North Carolina, a $600K nonprofit focused on affordable goods for underserved communities. His leadership here underscores his commitment to applying business principles for the greater good.
Mark’s academic foundation includes a Global MBA from the University of Phoenix, completing a curriculum rich in global finance, leadership, and strategic planning. His coursework in business law, human resource management, and quantitative reasoning has added layers of analytical insight to his leadership toolkit. Yet it is his practical application of these principles, rather than their theoretical knowledge, that sets him apart. Whether guiding a board or coaching a founder, Mark brings a holistic view of business challenges that bridges vision with execution.
Internationally, Mark has engaged in business and service initiatives across the Caribbean, Asia, and South America—experiences that have enriched his cultural fluency and strategic adaptability. These global touchpoints inform his worldview and sharpen his ability to lead across borders, functions, and stakeholder groups. While he does not speak additional languages, his innate ability to listen, learn, and synthesize enables him to connect deeply with individuals and teams of diverse backgrounds.
At the core of Mark’s work is a conviction that leadership is service. His commitment to mentoring young professionals, coaching baseball, and guiding men’s groups reflects a life lived in alignment with principle and purpose. Whether behind a boardroom table or at a community center, he shows up with the same authenticity, courage, and generosity of spirit. He believes that strong leaders not only achieve results but also inspire others to rise into their best selves.
Mark Thompson is more than a high-performing executive—he is a catalyst for change, a cultivator of talent, and a trusted guide through complexity. With an unwavering belief in curiosity, the power of storytelling, strategic clarity, and value-driven decision-making, he continues to shape organizations that are both profitable and principled. As he looks toward new board service opportunities, Mark is excited to contribute his full spectrum of expertise to help growth-oriented organizations scale wisely, ethically, and effectively.
Character:
Mark exemplifies character through his steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, even in moments of ambiguity or pressure. His Christian values are not simply personal beliefs but operational principles that inform every aspect of his leadership. From nonprofit governance to executive coaching, he leads with humility, consistency, and ethical clarity.
Knowledge:
With a Global MBA and over two decades of practical executive experience, Mark brings a rare blend of academic insight and real-world acumen. He is equally comfortable designing financial forecasts as he is mapping out go-to-market strategies. His knowledge spans sectors and continents, making him a versatile asset in any boardroom.
Strategic:
Mark’s ability to “connect the dots others overlook” is one of his defining qualities. He identifies patterns quickly, assesses risks thoroughly, and builds repeatable systems that generate sustainable revenue. His strategic thinking consistently leads to results—measured not just in profit but in long-term organizational health.
Communication:
Whether leading a room, writing micro-scripts for sales teams, or moderating a board discussion, Mark communicates with clarity, confidence, and empathy. His storytelling ability allows him to influence without intimidation and inspire without theatrics. His words always align with his actions, creating trust and alignment across stakeholders.
