Through the years Mark has represented numerous major musical attractions. Many were unknown at first and Mark contributed significantly to their success. Those that he has been directly responsible for are Quiet Riot ("with 'Metal Health' Pasha/EPA Records, I had the honor of sharing both a No. 1 album and No. 1 single with them." In their original lineup to this day, they are still his clients), Journey (the Columbia Records Look Into The Future & Next lineup), The Romantics ("with whom I had the pleasure of having the No. 2 single in the country, 'Talking In Your Sleep' and the timeless hit 'What I Like About You' on Nemperor Records. I shared responsibilities with Trip Brown who first found the band playing in bowling alleys and clubs in Detroit"), Autograph (big hit with their album Sign In on RCA and the hit single "Turn Up The Radio"), Blackfoot, who are still clients to this day (big hits with "Highway Song" and "Train Train" from the Atco Records album Strikes) and more recently Skid Row, Luxx, Blue October, Slaughter, U F O, M S G / Michael Schenker Group and Vince Neil. Although Mark has booked many many more, these are the artists he has worked with most closely.

Based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Ashley Talent International books its' exclusive clients and package tours all over the world. Aside from domestic shows, events have been placed in such varying locations as Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Canada, and elsewhere. Today, events booked by A.T.I. number in the thousands per year.

"We have what we believe to be a wonderful and innovative company with a great roster of excellent exclusive clients," says Mark. "We have a fabulous team of truly devoted people. Our staff concentrates on booking personal appearances, pursuing record deals, publishing deals, merchandise and sponsorship deals as well as working on new artist development. But the most important thing is the client. The client comes first, always. We pride ourselves on being there for them 24-7."

How have the events of Sept. 11 changed you both professionally and personally?

Ah, Sept. 11 - the second "Day Of Infamy." Well as far as business is concerned, it has not interfered too negatively (thank God) thus far. Of course, like everyone else, we suffered the problems that occurred immediately (i.e. clients stranded at airports unable to get to the next gig(s) but, all in all, we went on with business as usual which I think became the recommended way to go for all. Personally it was very disturbing, to say the least. I'm from New York and have not been back there in some time. I can't imagine the skyline without those two structures and am overwhelmed by the loss of life. I have clients that live there and saw the whole thing. It took me days to reach them and thank God they were all safe. It was, to say the least, very traumatic.

First industry job

Mail boy at William Morris in New York.

Career highlight

There have been several, but standouts are Quiet Riot headlining Madison Square Garden and having the Number 1 album and single; working the original Woodstock and US Festivals. At Woodstock I worked as part of Chip Monk's crew. I was an agent working at Heller Fischel (which has not existed for some time) and covered both US Festivals for that agency.

Greatest challenge

Getting my life back on the right track after some misfortune culminating in 1992.

Best business decision

Starting A.T.I. with my partner Jay Frey in 1994.

Best business advice

"Perseverance pays" - Herb Spar

What people would be most surprised to learn about you

One of my hobbies is making lox.

Most memorable concert/event

There were several. Working on the first Woodstock with Chip Monk (who designed the stage), the first Journey show at The Starwood in L. A. (where I originally saw the band - it was so packed that if you fainted you'd still be standing up) and Quiet Riot headlining both Madison Square Garden and The Forum in L. A.

Office paraphernalia

Bottled water, lots of CDs and pictures of my wonderful dog, Murphy. Murphy is part Golden Lab and part Husky and is aptly named after both Murphy Brown (of TV fame because she's both beautiful and persistent) and Murphy's Law because if she can do anything wrong, well .... you can bet on it, she will.

Pet peeve

Thoughtlessness, conspicuous tardiness and disloyalty.

Mark can be reached at 734-477-6677; e-mail: superbooking@aol.com

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