Mark Gentrup, EA

1. How long have you lived in the Bay Area? 

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA and I’ve lived here for over 25 years.

2. What is your fondest childhood memory?

My fondest childhood memory would be my first concert. I was 12 years old and my friend had an extra ticket to go and see Metallica. To this day I do not know how I got away with going to that concert, but our seats were 6 rows up from stage center right at Shoreline Amphitheatre and I couldn’t hear for over a week after the concert. It completely changed my life and left a permanent affect on me musically.

3. What subject(s) did you study at College?

My college career consisted of accounting and finance.

4. What was your first job?

My first job was a parking lot attendant for a local health club. I worked there during the summer of my freshmen year of high school and facilitated who was and was not able to park in the lot. I learnt the importance of education at an early age.

5. Who has been the most influential person to you in your career?

The most influential person in my career would have to be not one, but both of my parents. They gave me the tools and foundation to pursue my goals in life and I cannot ask for much more than that.

6. How has your career created value in your life?

My career has created value by providing me the opportunity to carry a conversation of substance at a cocktail party. There is nothing more awkward to me than to be amongst a stranger with whom you’ve just met and have nothing to say.

7. What do you consider to be the most significant world event that has occurred during your lifetime?

September 11, 2001. I cannot think of any other significant event where I remember where I was, at what time and what I was doing. That was pretty heavy and a life changer for me.

8. What is your most memorable travel experience?

My most memorable travel experience would have to be my trip with my wife to Germany and Switzerland. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make it to Oktoberfest, wear a lederhosen and yell, “PROST!” amongst thousands of Germans. We then capped our trip off with a hike up Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. It was epic.

9. What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

In 6th grade I fell out of a tree and broke both of my arms. This wasn’t necessarily funny to me, but everyone else sure seemed to get a laugh out of it.

10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of becoming a father. It sounds so cliché, but it is just too cool and as everyday passes I realize how truly lucky and blessed I am.

11. What do you like to do in your spare time?

If I’m not shredding on my guitar, then I have to be outside and active. I love to surf and I love to roll all over on my skateboard. I might even decide to snap an Ollie from time to time. These days I have to say that all of my spare time is with family. I’ve found that whatever my wife, son and dog do is so satisfying that it doesn’t really matter. Just being together is all I need.

12. If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Hands down, I would want to possess the ability to be in multiple places at once.