Name: Michelle Marks

Title: Financial Advisor, AAMS® Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠

Company: Raymond James

How long have you been a GLI Ambassador? 6 months

What is your favorite part about being a GLI Ambassador? Being in the corporate world for 12+ years, I was blind to what was going on in our city and the ways that I could get involved to help our city grow. Now that I am no longer in that corporate world, helping the city grow and being able to connect friends and families to local businesses or industries that they are in need of has been one of the most satisfying moments – even in a zoom world.

A fun fact about me is… I ran the KY Derby marathon in 2017 with little to no training and finished it in time – it was on my bucket list. I have also checked off skydiving and a hot air balloon ride. Next on the list – to see a great white shark in the wild.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? In my early 20s in my first management position – Be able to support and backup the decisions you are making and do something that you are passionate about.

What does being a GLI investor mean to you? I get to support the city in a variety of ways and as a born and raised Louisvillian (Yes, I bleed red), I enjoy being that local resource that any new resident can come to, to know where to go to eat or what’s going on around town.

What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville? Trying new restaurants, going to any festivals that do not involve music (I know, I’m a millennial that is not a forecastle goer), attending any sports event (student athlete from grade school – high school) and anything that involves my dog (Julep).

What do you do to make greater Louisville GREATER? Support local businesses, my dad and grandfather were business owners (Allied Sporting Goods) in Louisville and we grew up always supporting local businesses around town.