Mark Runciman has been a long-standing employee at the RBG starting as Superintendent of Buildings and Equipment in 1984 and moving up in the organization becoming the CEO in 2009. Under the leadership of Mark, new funding arrangements have helped the organization in moving forward, enabling the RBG to continue to play its vitally important role as a living museum and major visitor attraction. Since Mark becoming CEO, the RBG has received several tourism, environmental and building related awards in the past five years. He has also had the pleasure of representing RBG at RBG Kew's 250th anniversary in London, England and meeting Her Majesty the Queen.

What was the #1 reason you chose to attend Mohawk?

To be honest, my original plan was to be an Architect and I applied to architectural programs at university, but I was turned down. Finances were another factor. So I checked around and heard that Mohawk College had an excellent Architectural Technology program so I applied to it and did not look back. The fact that it was a Co-op program made a big difference to me as well.

What 1 piece of advice you’ve received in the past has stuck with you to this day?

“Keep your nose to the grindstone”. I found this phrase appropriate during school and at work, meaning apply myself conscientiously to both. Work hard and keep focused on the job at hand.

If you could go back in time, what 1 piece of advice would you give to yourself on the first day of College?

“Don’t leave your Texas Instrument – Scientific Calculator in your locker”. My uncle spent a fortune on this unit and it disappeared in less than a week.

What fictional character/characters do you most personally identify with or admire? Why?

Years ago, my wife bought me a Homer Simpson t-shirt as her attempt at humour. At first blush, one wouldn’t think a childish, somewhat selfish, couch potato would be one to identify with, but the reality is, Homer embodies the life that most of us strive for. He balances work, his family, and personal life very well. At the end of the day, he loves his wife and kids and would do absolutely anything for them, which is the most important thing for a husband and father.

I admire him for the way he deals with everyday happenings by connecting them with a moral message and other societal issues, usually while wearing his reading glasses! This is very admirable.

I must admit that he makes me laugh, as I do see some similar traits.

What 3 songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

We’ve Only Just Begun – by the Carpenters

One Thing Leads to Another – by the Fixx

Life’s What You Make It – by Talk Talk

When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?

Snooze

If you could invite any 5 people to a dinner party who would they be?

Other than my wife and children:

My Mom

Alan Parson (Musician)

Gary Larson (Cartoonist)

Clint Eastwood (Actor)

Frank Lloyd Wright (Architect)

Talk about a time that you took a risk and failed, and one where you took a risk and succeeded. What was the difference?

1. Hiring someone

2. Hiring someone

3. The individual.

If you could give advice to a new student thinking of entering your program what would it be?

The program is very diverse and covers many facets of the construction industry which present endless possibilities. Be prepared to work hard. Be outgoing, make friends and most importantly, have fun!

How has your education at Mohawk prepared and supported you throughout your career?

Mohawk College’s reputation and in particular the Architectural Technology program were certainly recognized in the community and as a result helped start my career quickly. I learned about project management; working with others; teamwork; building confidence; presentation skills and that working hard does pay off. All of these elements have helped me throughout my career.