Mark Nolan

Q: Who are you? Where are you from?

A: I’m Mark, Sr. Marketing Manager at Modulate. I grew up in Cambridge and have lived in the Boston area ever since (except for a few months studying abroad in college). I currently live just north of Boston in Malden.

Q: What’s your background? What did you do before Modulate?

A: After graduating from Boston University with a focus on communications, I spent a few years at a public relations agency in Boston, focusing on the games and entertainment space. I worked with gaming icons like Wizards of the Coast, WB Games, and Nintendo on titles like Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Mad Max, Lord of the Rings Online, and Super Mario Maker. 

I then transitioned to a strategy and consulting freelance role, focusing primarily on marketing and communications for technology companies looking to grow their audience and awareness. Most recently prior to Modulate, I was at York IE, a startup growth company, helping SaaS startups build, plan, and execute successful marketing campaigns.

Q: Why are you joining Modulate?

A: I’ve been a lifelong gamer, starting with games like SimCity 2000 and Doom on PC, and Zelda, Kirby, and Pokemon on Game Boy. Gaming has changed a lot since then, and it feels important to me to make the industry as inclusive and welcoming as possible to everyone, so kids and adults of all ages can have those magical first experiences and feel safe doing so. I’m excited to help Modulate champion that mission.

Q: What’s your ideal work environment? Any special strategies you use to stay effective?

A: In terms of a workplace overall, I value transparency and collaboration. I like to know what my fellow teammates are working on, why they’re doing it, and, if applicable, how we can help each other. In terms of my most effective work setting for getting things done, I usually enjoy the nice background din of an open office or a coffee shop, and I’ll often throw on headphones for my focus time.

Q: Tell us about something you must have in any culture you join?

A: Trust. It’s the most basic unit of understanding that a group can rely on, and it ladders up to so many other important facets of culture. The best things happen when you trust the people around you, and they trust you as well.

Q: Who are you outside of work?

A: I am a: dad, husband, aspiring home chef, hiker, camper, and gamer… among many other things! I like a good group hang and my happy place is gathering around a table – with coffees, beers, food, whatever – and having a lively discussion.

Q: What’s something you’re great at that few people realize?

A: Picking out when actors from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand are trying to put on an American accent. 

Q: Leave us with a fun tidbit - a favorite joke, a story from your past, an obscure riddle, whatever you like!

A: “Don't taunt the alligator until after you've crossed the creek.” - Dan Rather