Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark England.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have over 45 years in business. I started as a software engineer and followed the leadership path through various levels of management in small software companies. After 30 years, I wanted to do something different. So, I left software and purchased a property restoration franchise. I kept my franchise for 11 years before I sold it. After I sold my franchise, I realized I had a lot of experience in small business and franchising, and I wanted to help others. I became a franchise consultant to help others looking into franchising. I have also cofounded the Business Roundtable Alliance with my partner Jim Sheegog. The Business Roundtable is a leadership and advisory council specifically for small business owners. We facilitate monthly advisory board meetings where small business owners come together to work on the challenges they are facing. We also provide individual coaching sessions, and Subject Matter Expert workshops and presentations. The Business Roundtable Alliance’s mission is to provide small business owners with leadership support that is normally only available to larger companies.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. There’s been a lot of learning along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right members for the group. We look for people who not only have a growth mindset for their own business but are also committed to helping others grow theirs. Building that kind of community takes time and intentionality, but it’s what makes the Alliance so powerful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Business Roundtable Alliance ?
The Business Roundtable Alliance is a leadership advisory council created specifically for solopreneurs, small business owners, and franchise owners who often don’t have access to the kinds of peer groups, resources, and advisory boards that larger businesses take for granted.
What we do is simple but powerful: we bring business owners together in a structured, supportive environment where they can share challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. Our members gain the benefit of over 90 years of combined business experience from our leadership team, along with the insights and support of their peers.
What sets us apart is our accessibility. Advisory councils and mastermind groups can be costly—often thousands of dollars a year—putting them out of reach for many small businesses. We created BRA to change that. For just $99 per month, business owners gain access to a trusted circle of peers, practical advice, and a community that is invested in their success.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that Business Roundtable Alliance represents collaboration over competition. We’re known for creating a safe, encouraging space where business owners don’t feel like they’re on an island. They leave our meetings with fresh perspective, actionable strategies, and the reassurance that they don’t have to figure it all out alone.
What I’d want your readers to know is this: your business doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Business Roundtable Alliance exists to help small business owners grow, lead, and succeed by connecting them to the right people, knowledge, and support system at the right time.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, the best mentors and networking opportunities have come from being intentional about relationships rather than treating networking like a numbers game. A good mentor isn’t always the person with the highest title. It’s someone who is willing to share openly, challenge your thinking, and genuinely cares about your growth.
My advice is to start by being clear about your own “why”: why you’re seeking mentorship or building your network. That clarity helps you connect with people in a more authentic way. From there, focus on listening more than talking. Ask questions, learn their story, and look for ways to give value back. Mentorship and networking are two-way streets.
What has worked well for me is joining communities and organizations where collaboration is the focus. That’s actually why I started the Business Roundtable Alliance: to create the kind of supportive environment I wished I had earlier in my career. When you surround yourself with people who understand your challenges and want to see you succeed, the right mentorship relationships tend to grow naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebusinessroundtablealliance.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-roundtable-alliance
