Meet the Candidate
Mark Holat
Candidate for: Board of Directors
Unit(s): 210
Owner since: 2021
Candidate Profile
1. Connection to Wild Eagle Lodge
Describe your connection to Wild Eagle Lodge, including how long you have been connected with the property and how you use it.
My wife Julie and I purchased unit 210 in March of 2021. We use our condominium as a second or vacation home. During the summer season we are on site almost every weekend, as well as, for our family vacation in July. We also use the property throughout the remainder of the year. We are not in the rental program.
2. Relevant Experience
Summarize the professional, volunteer, board, financial, property, or other experience you would bring to WELCA.
I am the current WELCA Vice President and I am seeking re-election. I have also served as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Villas of Waupaca Condominium Association for the past 3 years, which is our permanent residence.
3. Reasons for Running & Priorities
Why are you seeking a seat on the WELCA Board, and what two priorities would you focus on during your term?
Prior to this past year, I believed the resort to be on a wrong path. I ran for the Board because I wanted to help correct that direction. I now believe we have the resort on a better path but there is still much work to be done, and I’m committed to seeing that through. In the coming year, I hope to help the Association complete the transition into a more cost-effective and sustainable business model. Additionally, I would like to help to develop a focus on the many maintenance aspects of the resort that have been neglected for too long.
4. Responsibilities to Owners
What do you believe are the Board’s most important responsibilities to WELCA owners, and how would you approach those responsibilities?
The WELCA Board must always remain focused on facilitating the activities that best serve the well-being of the resort while always considering the needs and desires of the membership. This Board has endeavored to involve as many members as possible through participation in committees. This helped to ensure the membership is aware of the real concerns that face our aging property and gave them a voice to offer input accordingly. Ongoing participation from as many Association members as possible will ensure the Board’s focus remains true to the needs of both the resort and the membership. I will continue to promote that participation.
5. Evaluating Competing Priorities
Board members must weigh financial needs, property maintenance, owner interest, governing documents, and long-term planning. How would you evaluate competing priorities and make decisions?
No undertaking of this scope is accomplished by an individual. This Board not only worked well as a team but worked with a high level of support from the various committees. Moving forward, I would expect the new Board to function in a similar fashion, and it is my intention to promote that effort.
Board Service & Disclosure
6. Working Through Disagreement
How do you approach disagreement with other directors or owners, and how would you support the Board’s collective decision after a vote?
Any time a team is tasked to complete a project or make a decision, healthy, constructive communication is imperative. However, it is not always possible to achieve complete agreement. The vote becomes the deciding factor, and the results of that vote must be respected and supported by the entire team.
7. Commitment to Board Service
Board service requires preparation, regular meeting attendance, review of materials, and follow-through between meetings. Can you make that commitment? Please note any known limitations.
I am retirement age, but I am not retired. I still work a full time job, and I am a member of the Board of Directors for the Association at my permanent residence. However, this is important and I will continue to make the time necessary, just as I have done this past year serving on this Board.
8. Potential Conflicts of Interest
Please disclose any current business, employment, ownership, family, or financial relationship that could be reasonably viewed as an actual or potential conflict of interest involving WELCA business. Disclosure does not by itself disqualify a candidate.
I have no conflicts of interest involving the resort or WELCA business. My only interest is what’s best for the resort and the Association.
Responses are presented as submitted. Formatting has been standardized for consistency.