Let Me Reintroduce Myself
My January reintroduction and a look at what I’m working on
Another weekend, another Amtrak ride, and another Patriots win. Let’s go.
This week’s MARK. Set. Go… is the re-introduction edition. Each January, I reintroduce myself, what I do, how I might help, and all the ways we can stay in touch.
Before I dive in, there’s one place you can always go to find everything: www.markjresnick.com.
There, you can learn about my businesses, search for promotional products, download free resources, buy my books, leave a review, see examples of my work, book me to speak, and find my cell phone and email addresses. It’s all there.
I sold my first branded merch item in 1991. I was a sophomore at Fairfield University, living on the first floor of Campion Hall. Along with Dave, Pete, Rob, and Jeff, we bought bottle opener keychains and sold them in the dorms.
That was 35 years ago, and I haven’t stopped selling branded merch.
Even while I was fundraising for Fairfield University, Fairfield Prep, and Xaverian, I continued selling merch on the side through a company called MJR Promotions. Clever, I know.
Fairfield was also my first billable customer, thanks to Janet Canepa, and it remains my oldest and most treasured one.
I entered the industry full-time in 1999 when my father and I started Proforma Printing & Promotion. He was 62. I was 27. We brought my brothers Bill and John into the business a few years later. They still own it today, though I moved on after 14 years working alongside them.
After that, I became Vice President of Sales for a local printing company and built their promotional branding division from scratch. Five years later, I found American Solutions for Business. I wish I had found them much sooner.
ASB is employee-owned and based in Glenwood, Minnesota, with reps and support staff in every U.S. state and Canada. It’s one of the most successful companies in the industry for printing, branded merch, decorated apparel, and eCommerce. Top ten in sales with nearly half a billion dollars annually, but more important than the numbers are the people. They are good people—kind, caring, passionate, and unselfish.
I’m in my eighth year with ASB and couldn’t be happier.
When my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, my life began to shift. Between 2014 and his death in 2021, I experienced some of the darkest and brightest days. It was a complicated season, as my father was declining while I was growing personally and professionally.
Ten Days With Dad was published in 2022, followed by The Greatest Burden The Greatest Blessing in 2023. The hat trick was completed in 2025 with Be Au Sm: The Essential Elements to Living Your Legacy with G.R.A.C.E.
The question I get asked most often is when the next book is coming.
It’s a fair question. I’m eager to share more stories, both fiction and non-fiction. Right now, I’m finishing preparations to pitch my romantic comedy feature film, Five Kisses. The first draft was written five years ago, and yes, it was terrible. It’s much better now, and I’m proud of where it’s landed. If you have connections in the film industry—producers, assistants, agents—please share.
Between my first and third books, I created Bellarmine Publishing. The goal is to help authors get traditionally published rather than self-published. I’m a fan of self-publishing, and it’s often the best route for new authors without a platform or large contact list.
In 2026, two authors will publish with Bellarmine: Craig M. Haba’s Beyond the Green: Using the Wisdom of Golf to Build Enduring Wealth, Purpose, & Legacy, and John Cady’s Ten Toes Down: All-In for At-Risk Students. Two phenomenal books by two great men. I’m incredibly excited to bring their stories into the world.
Several other authors are in various stages of publishing, including two children’s books. One is by my daughter Erin. The other is by Rob Malley, one of my Fairfield roommates. Rob’s father, James Malley, is also putting the finishing touches on his second book.
Branded merch.
Publishing.
Weekly Substack columns.
Rez’s Rules.
Daily vitamins.
Meditation.
Sleep.
Exercise.
Naps.
How does it all happen?
What it really comes down to is focus and consistency. Without both, none of it works. That’s what I’m committing to in 2026.
I can’t say yes to everything anymore. Most of us struggle with saying no, but it’s necessary. When we say yes to everyone else, we often say no to ourselves.
The daily accountability sheet has already made a difference. The focus blocks are still being tweaked, but the result is clear: more attention on priorities, more sales activity, more books moving, and more satisfaction in my days.
If it sounds like I have everything figured out, I don’t. Not even close.
My merch sales struggled in 2025 for several reasons. Some were out of my control. Others weren’t. I was focused but not consistent, and both are required. I started making changes last July and don’t expect results overnight. These things take time.
With Bellarmine, I want to help everyone publish their book. I can’t do that yet. I will always make time for people who want to learn. You can call, text, or email me anytime, and I’ll respond. I just can’t commit to every project without risking focus and consistency for my current authors.
There are days I skip meditation or exercise. I notice it, but I don’t beat myself up. Some days include a bowl of ice cream with hot fudge. Two scoops. Sometimes whipped cream. Occasionally sprinkles. It happens.
I’ve filed a tax extension for each of the last seven years. I wait too long to get my act together. The tires don’t get rotated on time. Ever. Credit card balances rise and fall like a hot air balloon. Tuition payments deserve their own paragraph.
I definitely don’t have it figured out, and I’m okay with that.
Focus and consistency. That’s my 2026 in three words.
How can I help you?
Merch.
A book idea.
Caregiving support.
Something else entirely.
You know where to find me.
Thanks for letting me reintroduce myself, again.
See you next week.
