Florine Mark was born and raised in Detroit. She lost 50 pounds on Weight Watchers while traveling back and forth to New York. Eventually, Florine brought Weight Watchers to Detroit, where she started her first meeting. Florine continued to acquire franchises in 13 states, Canada and Mexico. As the largest franchise holder of Weight Watchers International, she employed over 4,200 people.
As committed as Florine is to her business, she is equally involved in improving the lives of others. She shares her time and experience with several organizations; including Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Institute for Children, Business Leaders of Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber, Henry Ford Health System, University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center, Women of Tomorrow and several others. She is also an active board member of the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Governor’s Economic Council Advisory Board.
Florine has used her business vision and experience in other ways as well. She was elected in 2001, to the Women’s Leadership Board at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In this role she helped advance women in national and international leadership and public policy. She has served as the Chair of the Detroit Branch of the Federal Reserve Board of Chicago; and on the Board of Directors for English Gardens.
Florine’s work has been recognized and praised by many organizations. Among her many accolades, she received the ‘Entrepreneurial Visionary Award’ by the Women’s Business Center; was listed among the ‘100 Most Influential Women in Detroit’ by Crain’s Detroit Business; named Oakland County’s Executive of the Year; and was among the 50 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World. And finally, in October 2004, Florine became the first female recipient of the Neil Shine Lifetime Achievement Award.
Florine recently sold her WW franchise to WW International. She is currently serving as a WW ambassador, Wellness Influencer, Author of “Talk to the Mirror”, Podcast Host for “Today’s Takeaway with Florine Mark”, and a well known Motivational Speaker. Florine has recently launched her new “Remarkable YOU Motivational Tour”.