📝 Editor’s Note
I’ve shared that my favorite app is Google Maps. I can, and do, spend a lot of time searching local areas to find new restaurants, coffee shops, and parks to explore. However, I’ve always been surprised that google maps lacks a few intuitive features like the ability to simultaneously filter for both “stars” and “number of reviews”.
Therefore, I was pumped when I saw Claudia D recommend “Map of the Best” on Recomendo. This tool allows you to do just that - filter for both number of reviews and stars. Setting it for 4.5 stars and 200+ reviews is a great way to find the best local spots.
Lastly, when talking to my wife (a small business owner) about this tool she shared how impactful a 5-star review can be. If you have a great experience, especially at a small business, consider leaving them a positive review.
Without further ado….
Why Mark?
I met Mark several years back in NYC due to our mutual interest in sports business. We reconnected after I saw his post on Linkedin about his professional and personal newsletters. He is a great researcher and writer and I encourage you to check out his work.
Follow Mark on Twitter @markjburns88
Self-Description
An avid Michigan football and country music fan who is trying to become fluent in Portuguese and always looking forward to the next sushi meal with my wife. I value my friendships more than most things in this world. If I call you, you mean a lot to me.
Mark’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Brand
I blame my Dad for this one. Sorry, Dad. He loves Tumi products and got me hooked on the brand when I was in college. I got my first Tumi backpack in 2010 from my grandma and I still use it to this day. A few years back I got one of their slingbacks. It's great for folks on the go. Their lifetime warranty is great. I swear by this brand.
Digital
I've been trying to learn Portuguese the past few years. With this app, you can find people from around the world who want to learn different languages. I've made a couple of Portuguese-speaking friends in Brazil. We'll talk for 15-20 minutes in English (because they're trying to learn English) and 15-20 minutes in Portuguese.
Well-Being
Walking
There was a longtime broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers named Ernie Harwell. He lived until his early 90s. I remember as a kid my dad telling me about Harwell and how much he consistently walked. It must have paid off, eh? I try and walk for 30 to 60 minutes every day, whether it's at the gym, the mall, park, etc. My wife and I both work remote so we try and do a mid-day and/or end-of-day walk together. Get outside, breathe some fresh air, see the sun and simply, walk.
Gifting
My wife and I received this electric wine opener a few years ago. It's so easy to use. 10/10.
Music
If you like country music, check out Luke Bryan. He's great at interacting with the crowd and keeps you energized during the entire show. It's even better if you can watch him in an outdoor setting.
Travel
Brazil - São José da Coroa Grande
My wife's Brazilian and all of her family lives there. I've been to several states and cities over the years. We went to São José da Coroa Grande (state of Pernambuco) during a two-month trip this summer. It's a smaller 7,500-10,000 person town in the Northeast of Brazil. If you're looking to unplug for a week (or take working remote to the next level), I highly recommend this quaint and peaceful beach town. If you head there, you'll likely fly into Recife (a smaller Rio), which you should also check out.
Plug
I have a daily sports newsletter at Morning Consult where you can stay updated on the latest news and happenings in the sports and sports business industry. [Subscribe Here]
I also have a side project, which includes a weekly Tuesday newsletter about all things Barstool Sports. I try and tell untold stories, curate company news and provide a peek behind the curtains about one of the most interesting but polarizing media companies. [Subscribe Here]
Want to get in touch with Mark? Feel free to reach out on Twitter or Email, mark.j.burns2@gmail.com
P.S. friend of the program and past profilee, Kwadwo Som-Pimpong was recently featured on Ethan Abramson’s podcast [episode here]. Kwadwo talks about building his furniture brand Crafted by Glory.