Author

Orange County Public Schools

O/M Supervisor | Landscaping | Grounds and Pest Control Dept. 

Trades Tech II | Grounds and Pest Control

Chem Tech |  Grounds and Pest Control

Valencia College

Grounds Operations 

University of Central Florida Landscape and Natural Resources

Landscape Supervisor

Turfco Inc.

Lawn Maintenance Foreman

LaHive Lawn Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance Foreman

Beckman's Wholesale Nursery Greenhouse and Landscape

General nursery work including, harvesting plants for potting, label and sale.
Watering, weeding, fertilizing, and monitoring pests on nursery stock.
Maintained inventory, prepared orders, delivered plants to customers. Recorded
information about plants and plant growth.
Operated tractors and other machinery and equipment to fertilize, cultivate, harvest,
and spray plants.

Nursery Worker

City Of South Daytona - Parks and Recreation

Under the direction of the parks director and supervisor assisted in the coordination of parks
landscape maintenance operations.
Duties included the weekly landscape maintenance of 14 city parks, 5 athletic fields,
and several city government facilities – including mowing, edging, trimming, parking
lot cleanup,
fertilizing and chemical application, Routine landscape maintenance of
city administration buildings, city hall, community centers etc. Operated tractors,
mowers, edgers,
chainsaws, trimmers, bucket trucks, fertilization equipment, chemical application
equipment, ball field prep and renovation equipment. Assisted in the daily prep and
care of city athletic fields
including little league fields, flag football fields and soccer fields.
Participated in the set up and break down of various city sponsored events.
Vehicle and equipment logs were kept daily – light equipment maintenance was
required.
Ensured that each crew member was trained appropriately for each designated job
assignment.

Crew Leader III

My enthusiasm for horticulture, complemented by a meticulous attention to detail, has been instrumental in shaping a rewarding career within the landscape industry.

 With over two and a half decades of professional experience, I have been involved in a wide array of projects, from quaint residential gardens to large-scale commercial ventures. 

I am an individual who thrives on new challenges and is perpetually seeking opportunities to refine my skills. I value teamwork and am committed to maintaining a strong work ethic.

 Currently, I am in the process of obtaining certification as an arborist, underscoring my profound interest in the realm of tree care.

Mark LaHive - FCHP, FCLMT

Andrew McConnell

Alively

As the Co-Founder and CEO, I lead a groundbreaking initiative in "Healthspan," representing a new approach to enhancing and prolonging the quality of the years each of us have. Our mission is to empower individuals to enjoy more years that are more fulfilling by providing access to curated resources and guidance tailored to their unique journeys.

We are redefining the approach to thriving throughout life, addressing all key pillars, specifically: fitness, nutrition, sleep & recovery, mindset & stress management, and social connection & purpose.

Key facets of my role are:

•	Taking a Healthspan-Centric Approach: Creating a platform that supports all aspects of living with vitality. We understand that true well-being is multi-dimensional and encompasses all aspects of a fulfilling life.

•	Championing a Comprehensive Life Model: Promoting a nuanced understanding of a fulfilling life. Our company challenges conventional narratives, advocating for an approach that nurtures all aspects of an individual's life.

•	Developing a Collaborative Ecosystem: Actively seeking partnerships and collaborations aligned with our comprehensive vision. By bringing together experts from diverse domains, we aim to create a rich, multidisciplinary resource network for our users.

•	Fostering a Purpose-Driven Culture: A commitment to cultivating a culture where every team member thrives. I am deeply involved in identifying and attracting team members who are not just skilled but are genuinely driven to make a difference in the world of health and well-being.

While our work is currently in a phase of strategic development, our ambition is to redefine the landscape of well-being with a clear focus on Healthspan. We are not merely creating another new product or service; we are spearheading a movement toward a future where every individual can relish a longer, more vibrant, and fulfilling life.

Make every day Alively day.

Co-Founder and CEO

TravelNet Solutions

In my capacity as an Advisor to TravelNet Solutions post-acquisition of Rented, I have been instrumental in steering the seamless integration of Rented’s team and operations into the TravelNet framework. My role encompasses managing the transition process, ensuring continuity, and aligning the newly combined strengths of both entities to optimize overall performance and market impact.

Key aspects of my advisory role include:

•	Strategic Integration Management: Guided the strategic integration of Rented into TravelNet Solutions, focusing on harmonizing processes, cultures, and goals. My efforts have been pivotal in preserving the essence of Rented’s innovative approach while leveraging TravelNet’s resources and market presence to create a unified, stronger entity.

•	Corporate Development Support: Actively involved in corporate development activities, I provide insights and strategic guidance to support TravelNet’s growth and expansion plans. My role involves identifying opportunities, advising on potential partnerships, and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.

•	Strategic Initiatives and Advisory: Continuously engaged in advising on various strategic initiatives for TravelNet Solutions. My expertise in the short-term rental industry and experience in scaling businesses are instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and response to evolving market dynamics.

•	Industry Trends and Developments: As an industry expert, I keep a pulse on the latest trends and developments in the travel and short-term rental sectors. My advisory role includes providing TravelNet with foresight and strategic recommendations to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry landscape.

Serving as an Advisor to TravelNet Solutions allows me to leverage my experience and insights gained from founding and growing Rented, contributing to the broader vision and success of TravelNet in the evolving travel industry.

Advisor

Techstars

As a mentor for Techstars, I help guide and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly those dedicated to environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship. This program, a beacon of innovation and community impact, aligns with my passion for leveraging business as a catalyst for positive change.

Key contributions and program highlights include:

•	Empowering Entrepreneurs: I provide hands-on mentorship to startups, sharing insights from my extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy. My focus is on helping these emerging leaders refine their business models, enhance their market strategies, and scale their operations sustainably.

•	Fostering Social Impact: The accelerator is committed to driving significant community impact through innovative solutions. I contribute to this mission by mentoring companies that are not just commercially viable but also socially responsible, aligning with Cox Enterprises' vision of using business as a force for good.

•	Access to Resources: A key aspect of the program is facilitating access to funding and critical resources. My role involves connecting startups with potential investors and industry experts, thereby opening doors to opportunities that can accelerate their growth and impact.

•	Building a Sustainable Future: By focusing on startups in the environmental sustainability and social entrepreneurship sectors, the accelerator and my mentorship efforts contribute to creating a more sustainable and equitable future, aligning with global efforts to address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Volunteering as a mentor for Techstars Atlanta is an enriching experience that allows me to give back to the entrepreneurial community, fostering a new wave of businesses that prioritize both profit and purpose.

Mentor

Rented

As the founder of Rented, I spearheaded the development of a cutting-edge pricing engine and comprehensive managed services for the short-term rental industry. Our solutions were designed to optimize revenue for our clients, leveraging advanced analytics and market insights to deliver unparalleled financial returns.

Key achievements include:

•	Innovative Pricing Engine: Developed a state-of-the-art pricing engine that transformed the revenue management landscape in the short-term rental sector. This tool enabled clients to dynamically adjust pricing based on real-time market data, significantly boosting their profitability.

•	Managed Services Impact: Beyond the pricing engine, we provided comprehensive managed services that ensured maximum impact for our clients. Our approach combined strategic pricing with hands-on management, resulting in optimized operations and enhanced revenue streams.

•	Exceptional ROI for Clients: Our clients experienced a remarkable return on investment, with an average of $11 in net incremental new revenue for every $1 spent with us. This outstanding performance underscored the effectiveness of our pricing strategies and managed services.

•	Acquisition and Industry Expansion: In 2022, Rented was acquired by TravelNet Solutions, Inc., a strategic move that enabled us to better serve the enterprise tier of the short-term rental management industry. This acquisition marked a significant milestone in our journey, expanding our reach and reinforcing our position as an industry innovator.

Founding and leading Rented was a journey marked by technological innovation, strategic growth, and a relentless focus on client value. This experience solidified my expertise in developing and scaling high-impact solutions in the competitive short-term rental market.

CEO (acq. by TravelNet Solutions)

VacationFutures

As the founder of VacationFutures, I created the first and largest online marketplace tailored to pairing asset owners with professional managers for the short-term rental industry. This innovative platform revolutionized the way vacation rental homeowners connect with local professional vacation rental managers, streamlining the process and maximizing profitability for both parties.

Key achievements include:

•	Innovative Market Leadership: Developed and launched a groundbreaking marketplace model, filling a significant gap in the short-term rental industry. This platform provided an unprecedented solution, simplifying and enhancing the rental process for homeowners and managers alike.

•	Exponential Revenue Growth: Under my leadership, VacationFutures experienced a meteoric rise in revenue, doubling each month at its peak. Over a span of three years, we achieved a 51-fold increase in revenue, a testament to the platform's value proposition and market fit.

•	Industry Recognition and Rankings: Our rapid growth and innovative business model earned VacationFutures a prestigious spot as the second fastest-growing travel company in the Inc. 500 list. Additionally, we were honored as the fourth fastest-growing company of any kind in the Financial Times ranking of the Americas’ fastest-growing companies in 2021.

•	Impact on the Travel Industry: The success of VacationFutures not only demonstrated the viability of our unique marketplace but also set new standards in the short-term rental sector. Our approach provided a scalable, efficient, and profitable model for vacation rental management, contributing significantly to the evolution of the industry.

Founding and growing VacationFutures was a journey of entrepreneurial innovation, strategic execution, and industry leadership. This experience solidified my expertise in identifying market opportunities, creating disruptive business models, and scaling companies rapidly in competitive landscapes.

Founder & CEO

Axiom

In my role as Director, Solutions Design, I led the strategic development and implementation of outsourced legal solutions for a global clientele, primarily within the financial and energy sectors. My focus was on transforming the operational efficiency and performance of in-house legal teams through meticulously designed, bespoke solutions.

Key achievements include:

•	Strategic Diagnostics and Solution Design: Conducted comprehensive diagnostics of in-house legal teams to pinpoint strengths, gaps, and critical pain points. Collaborated closely with clients to tailor solutions that precisely addressed their unique business needs, ensuring alignment with their strategic objectives.

•	Revenue Growth and Business Expansion: Played a pivotal role in scaling the service line from $4 million to $20 million in revenue within its second year. This rapid growth was a testament to the effectiveness of the solutions provided and my ability to understand and meet the evolving needs of our clients.

•	Operational Excellence: Managed end-to-end processes for launching new outsourced teams, including recruitment, location procurement, and training. My hands-on approach ensured that each team was optimally positioned to deliver high-quality services from day one.

•	Project Management and Continuous Improvement: Oversaw the project management of Axiom’s outsourced teams, maintaining a focus on seamless operations and continuous efficiency enhancements. My leadership in this area ensured that our teams consistently delivered value, driving client satisfaction and fostering long-term partnerships.

This role required a blend of strategic insight, operational acumen, and client-focused innovation. It was instrumental in solidifying my expertise in designing and implementing high-impact legal solutions for complex, global organizations.

Director, Solutions Design, Managed Services

McKinsey & Co.

As an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, I led diverse, cross-functional teams in delivering high-impact solutions to a global clientele, including some of the world's foremost corporations and government entities. My role centered on navigating the intricate nexus of strategy formulation and organizational design, ensuring that our clients' strategic visions were seamlessly translated into actionable, structured plans.

Key highlights of my tenure include:

•	Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded multifaceted projects, steering clients through critical transitions and transformations. My approach combined analytical rigor with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, enabling clients to achieve strategic alignment and operational excellence.

•	Global Perspective: Collaborated with an array of international clients, gaining unique insights into various industries and organizational cultures. This experience honed my ability to adapt strategies to diverse contexts, ensuring relevance and efficacy in different market environments.

•	Client Impact: Consistently delivered tailored solutions that addressed complex challenges at the intersection of strategy and structure. My focus on aligning organizational architecture with strategic objectives led to measurable improvements in efficiency, agility, and overall performance for our clients.

•	Team Development: Mentored and developed team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning. My commitment to nurturing talent resulted in high-performing teams capable of tackling the most demanding projects with creativity and precision.

This role at McKinsey & Company was instrumental in shaping my expertise in strategic consulting, reinforcing my ability to drive meaningful change in challenging and varied environments.

Engagement Manager

Ashe, Rafuse & Hill, LLP

Summer Associate

Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP

Merrill Lynch

Summer Intern

I'm an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker dedicated to learning, and sharing that learning for the benefit of others. My journey is fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless drive to learn, grow, and execute innovative ideas.

With a track record of rapidly assimilating complex information and turning insights into action, I've successfully navigated multiple entrepreneurial ventures. My approach combines a deep commitment to health and well-being with a pragmatic, results-oriented mindset.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I'm a lifelong learner and an advocate for maintaining a dynamic equilibrium in health, family life, and personal growth. My mission is to inspire and empower others to achieve their best selves, both personally and professionally. 

Let's connect and explore how we can make a meaningful impact together.

Will AGI make your job skills obsolete? OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy thinks so—and he argues it’s a good thing.

In a fascinating discussion on the Dwarkesh Podcast, Andrej Karpathy offered a provocative take on the future of learning:

"Pre-AGI education is useful. Post-AGI education is fun."

His core analogy? Going to the gym.

Today, we don't need physical strength to lift heavy objects; we have machines and forklifts for that. Yet, people go to the gym every day. Why? Because it's fun, it's healthy, and it's personally rewarding.

Karpathy predicts education will follow the same path.

Once AGI can perform the "cognitive heavy lifting" of most knowledge-based jobs, the necessity of learning for utility will fade. We will no longer go to school just to get a job.

Instead, learning will become a pursuit of passion, a "mental gym" we attend for intellectual fitness, personal growth, and the sheer joy of it.

This shifts the entire paradigm of education from a functional requirement to an optional, attractive pursuit.

Do you agree with this vision? If learning is no longer tied to economic survival, will we see more or less of it?

What does "intellectual fitness" look like in a post-AGI world?

Drop your thoughts below.

Co-Founder & CEO Alively | Host of The Home of Healthspan Podcast | WSJ Bestselling Author | 3x TEDx Speaker | Advocate for Healthspan: Making It Easier For Everyone to Live Their Best Life Their Entire Lives

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Mark LaHive - FCHP, FCLMT

Andrew McConnell

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The Battle

Mark LaHive - FCHP, FCLMT

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Andrew McConnell's LinkedIn Performance

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