About Mark Schnurman
Mark Schnurman’s path to success started in New Jersey, where he was raised in a home that stressed education, hard work, and character. His father was a research scientist for a pharmaceutical company, and his mother was in education. This upbringing gave Mark discipline, intellectual curiosity, and the desire to make a difference.
Education Background
From early on, Mark became interested in problem-solving and figuring out how organizations work. He was especially drawn to business, leadership, and the mechanics of success. These interests guided him toward pursuing further education at Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies.
He later attended Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. Although he successfully passed two bar exams, he soon realized that a career in law did not align with his aspirations.
This pivotal realization would set him on a new trajectory, leading him to a highly successful career in business, financial services, real estate, and entrepreneurship.
The Transition from Law to Financial Services
Mark transitioned into the financial services industry and joined Morgan Stanley as a financial consultant. Though new to the field, he quickly distinguished himself through his dedication, work ethic, and natural ability to connect with people. Mark’s performance was outstanding as he finished second out of a class of 135 trainees, earning multiple performance awards along the way.
However, for Mark, developing others and becoming a mentor are important. This passion drove him to join Morgan Stanley’s management training program, where he began training and developing aspiring Financial Advisors.
A Rising Career in Business and Consulting
Mark’s talent for spotting potential in others and helping them succeed led him to higher levels of management. Over the years, he developed broad experience in training, human resources, sales, and business development functions within the financial services and real estate industries.
However, corporate life and insufficient independence created a void that caused Mark to search for something more gratifying.
Finding Purpose Through Personal Growth
As Mark struggled with dissatisfaction, he started coaching, mentoring, and teaching at Penn State University. He also wrote articles for newspapers on career and professional growth. During this time, Mark also took up an unexpected yet deeply rewarding challenge: ultramarathon running. Forced to think clearly when his body told him it couldn’t go on, those long races became a metaphor for his professional journey, the importance of endurance, resilience, and adapting to challenges.
This new hobby also brought home the stark realization that he didn’t want to spend the next 20 years in a box. He wanted the freedom to build something of his own. So he did, and thus, The Perfect Franchise was born.
Discovering Franchising as a Path to Success: The Perfect Franchise
Mark always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur but needed to overcome the fears associated with starting a business. He needed a business model that offered freedom and support—that’s when he found franchising.
Franchising provided a proven business model that enabled Mark to rely on existing systems, brands, and operational support while maintaining the freedom of business ownership. This lowered risks and dramatically increased his probability of success.
With over 30 years of experience in franchising, financial services, and real estate, he founded The Perfect Franchise. His goal was simple yet powerful: to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand whether franchising was a path that could make their lives better.
The Perfect Franchise works one-on-one with clients, providing advice and options based on their skills, passions, and long-term goals. Unlike franchise brokers who push one-size-fits-all solutions, Mark and his team focus on matching individuals with franchises that fit their unique skills, investment levels, and lifestyle aspirations.
Mark has helped countless professionals break free from unfulfilling careers, embrace business ownership, and build successful enterprises through The Perfect Franchise. His work has empowered people to achieve professional success and personal happiness—something he once sought.
Life Beyond Business
Despite the demands of his career, Mark still makes time for the things that truly make him happy outside of work. He is a loving husband and father, residing with his family in Pennsylvania. His personal life is as rewarding to him as his business.
Mark is passionate about the outdoors, volunteering, and helping others. Mark believes that everyone must live with purpose, have a deep sense of belonging, and achieve fulfillment. His goal is to change the world!
Mark continues to be involved in mentorship, speaking, and community involvement. His commitment to giving back goes beyond business; he firmly believes in the transformational power of personal development, resilience, and happiness.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Success
Mark Schnurman’s story is one of transformation, overcoming fear, and relentless pursuit of fulfillment. From his early days as a law student to corporate stardom and ultimately an entrepreneur, Mark is always willing to shift gears, adapt, and make his luck.
