Director of corporate resources Mark Fenstermaker joins Kathryn to reminisce about his father C.H.’s influence and the role technology played in the family business. Having grown up tinkering with electronics and joining the company in 1985, Mark recounts how C.H. was edging toward retirement yet continued to spend his days programming custom software to streamline operations. He paints a portrait of an analytical, old‑school engineer who was all work and no play, and who delivered life lessons through stories. Mark shares his own innovations—from writing a data collection program for field crews to designing specialized equipment—and reflects on the enduring advice he received from his father.
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Episode 2 – Seeking CHF
Seeking CHF: A Conversation with Mark Fenstermaker
Mark Fenstermaker shares how his father, C.H., combined intelligence, discipline, and innovation to shape both the family business and Mark’s own career. From programming early software for operations to teaching lessons through stories, C.H.’s guidance instilled a respect for technology, careful decision-making, and creative problem-solving that continues to influence Mark’s leadership and approach to innovation today.
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- April 4, 2022
- Episode: 2
- 24 mins
Episode Summary
“My father was all work and no play… everybody respected him because he was very intelligent.”
“C.H. loved technology… he built most of the programs that they used in the office.”
Meet the Leader Behind the Vision
Mark Fenstermaker has been part of the family firm since 1985 and currently serves as director of corporate resources. He oversees capital expenditures, building construction and maintenance, and the procurement and upkeep of vehicles and equipment. Known for his technical aptitude, Mark also designs and fabricates specialized equipment for field operations.
“Dad always delivered advice with a story; he would always say before making any big decision to think about it at least 24 hours.”
Seeking CHF: Mark Fenstermaker on Innovation, Technology, and Leadership
In this episode of FUELED, we sit down with Mark Fenstermaker, director of corporate resources at C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates. Mark reflects on his father’s influence, the role of technology in streamlining operations, and the life lessons delivered through stories and example. Learn how innovation, careful decision-making, and hands-on problem-solving shaped both the business and Mark’s own leadership approach.
Episode Highlights
- Mark remembers C.H. as an analytical and old‑school boss who spent his days programming and brought home stacks of code to review.
- He notes that everyone respected C.H. for his intelligence and deep knowledge of every aspect of the business.
- C.H. embraced technology as a tool to get work done and built most of the programs used in the office before commercial software existed.
- Mark recalls that his father always delivered advice with a story and taught him to wait at least 24 hours before making major decisions.
- He shares childhood memories of installing ceiling fans around the neighborhood and credits his father for being his best salesman.
More from FUELED
Conversations across seasons—on infrastructure, leadership, and public impact.
Established in 1950, C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a highly diversified, multi-disciplinary consulting firm. With a commitment to help our clients succeed, we specialize in surveying and mapping, engineering and environmental consulting.
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