“Success isn’t just measured in numbers, but in the lives improved along the way.”
– Mark Blocker
Staying healthy and active matters to everyone, but for many, especially athletes, the journey is filled with challenges—lack of support, limited access to reliable guidance, and financial pressure can make consistency feel out of reach. That’s where strong, thoughtful leadership comes in. The real change-makers are the people behind the scenes—the founders and mentors who see these challenges and decide to do something about them. They lead with honesty, integrity, and heart, building more than just businesses—they create opportunities, inspire growth, and uplift those around them. Their influence extends far beyond products or services, touching lives and strengthening communities in lasting ways.
Mark Blocker, CEO of Big Block Athletics, is one of those leaders. Driven by his passion for sports and wellness, he built a company from the ground up—self-funded, fueled by determination, and rooted in purpose. What began as a solo venture has grown into a multi-service brand offering performance-ready activewear, doctor-supervised weight loss solutions, and athlete sponsorships.
In 2021, Mark took a major step by building a team, which allowed the business to expand its reach and impact. Today, Big Block Athletics supports a diverse group of athletes—from boxers and rugby players to mountain bikers and youth teams—helping them pursue their goals without the weight of financial worry. Through it all, Mark’s leadership stays grounded in honesty, action, and a clear mission: to help people live healthier, more active lives.
From Student to Self-Starter
Mark Blocker has always had a strong passion for sports and leadership. He played college football, basketball in 10th grade, and baseball up until the age of 12. While pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration at the University of Phoenix, he worked at a local McDonald’s to support himself. After graduating, Mark spent four months applying for jobs in the healthcare field but was repeatedly turned down due to a lack of experience, despite being recognized for his potential.
It was a former college teammate who encouraged him to explore entrepreneurship. At first, Mark was unsure—he didn’t feel confident in his business skills. However, after facing continuous rejection in the job market, he decided to take a leap of faith and launched Big Block Athletics.
One of the biggest challenges he has faced since starting the business is funding. Mark has built the company entirely on his own, without any investors or business loans. Every dollar earned goes directly back into the business. Balancing payroll and growth through revenue alone has been difficult, but it has also strengthened his resilience and taught him the importance of financial discipline.
A New Chapter
When asked about the turning point that triggered the growth of Big Block Athletics, Mark Blocker points to the year 2021. Up until that point, he was handling everything on his own—wearing every hat and pushing the business forward through sheer determination. But in 2021, things began to shift. Mark started building a team, and that decision changed the game. With the right people in place, the company was able to scale, take on new opportunities, and operate more efficiently. It marked the beginning of steady growth, not just in terms of services but also in the positive impact the company could make in the lives of others.
Team United by Values, Not Just Goals
Mark Blocker’s leadership philosophy is rooted in honesty, integrity, and leading by example. He believes leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about presence.
He sets the tone by showing up consistently and creating an environment built on:
- Transparency: keeping communication open and honest
- Trustworthiness: doing what he says, and standing by it
- Accountability: holding himself and others to their commitments
To him, integrity isn’t just a principle—it’s the foundation of trust, and without trust, no organization can thrive. He encourages open communication, welcomes feedback, and holds himself and others accountable to their commitments. This approach isn’t just about running a business—it’s about building a culture where people feel seen, respected, and motivated to do their best work. Over time, this philosophy has shaped a close-knit team that’s aligned in goals and in values, making the company stronger and more unified with every step forward.
Growing People, Not Just a Business
Mark Blocker believes that identifying and developing talent starts long before someone joins the team—it begins during the interview process. He looks for individuals who are naturally friendly, honest, and have a positive attitude—traits that can’t easily be taught but are key to building a strong, supportive culture.
Once someone joins the team, Mark ensures they have what they need to succeed:
- Structured onboarding and training: So they feel confident and equipped from the start
- Clear expectations and role definition: So they know what success looks like and how to get there
- Ongoing support and open communication: So they always feel heard, guided, and never alone on the journey
He believes that when people feel prepared, supported, and appreciated, they’re empowered to grow and do their best work. It’s not just about building a team—it’s about building a mission-driven community.
Thoughtful Approach to Innovation and Growth
For Mark Blocker, balancing innovation with stability comes down to thoughtful action and continuous learning. He believes in trying new ideas, observing the results, and making smart adjustments along the way. Innovation sometimes requires bold risks, but Mark also knows that sustainability matters just as much. The key, he says, is recognizing when to push forward and when to pull back—something that comes with experience and staying open to learning from successes and setbacks. This flexible, grounded mindset helps him lead with clarity while keeping the company moving in the right direction.
Supporting Youth Sports and Community Teams
Big Block Athletics is a sports-focused company that provides activewear, weight loss products, and athlete sponsorships. As of 2025, the company has been in business for nine years, with a clear mission to support individuals who lead active and health-conscious lifestyles.
Bit Block Athletics proudly supports a wide range of athletes and teams, reflecting its deep commitment to sports at every level.
Current sponsorships include:
- A professional boxer
- Two women’s rugby players
- A golf club
- A little league softball team
- A professional mountain biker
- Three recently added lacrosse players
As the company continues to grow, these expanding partnerships highlight its dedication to encouraging athletic excellence and supporting performance across diverse sports.
Doctor-Guided Wellness Plans
Big Block Athletics is built around three core areas that support better health, stronger performance, and personal growth.
Each one is designed to make a real difference in people’s lives:
- Weight Loss Products: Personalized, doctor-supervised plans that support lasting results when paired with a healthy diet.
- Activewear: Performance-driven, sweat-wicking gear that boosts confidence—each purchase supports mental health awareness.
- Athlete Sponsorships: Financial support that lets athletes focus on training and competing, not expenses.
Staying Focused on the Mission
Mark Blocker believes that while Big Block Athletics may not be the most successful company yet, it’s definitely on the right path. He credits their progress to leadership—specifically, his approach to leading the team. Mark focuses on building a culture rooted in honesty, consistency, and hard work. Combined with a clear vision and a strong passion for helping people live healthier, more active lives, this leadership style has helped keep the company focused and moving forward.
Mark Blocker’s 5 Powerful Business Lessons
- Lead by Example: True leadership is built on integrity, consistency, and trust—not titles.
- Start with What You Have: Limited resources can be an advantage when paired with discipline and determination.
- Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill: Prioritize honesty, positivity, and a willingness to grow.
- Focus on Impact, Not Just Income: Success is measured by the lives improved, not just the bottom line.
- Grow with Intention: Balance bold ideas with thoughtful, sustainable action.
