EDITOR’S Note: This story originally ran in July 2016.
Those who know Mark Scott know his sense of humor. For those who don’t, they might come to understand it some when they realize the ‘honey pot’ Scott refers to isn’t full of sticky, sweet substance (honey) but rather is full of stinky, icky substance (sewer). Things might click though when they see the bright red ‘Scotts Septic Service’ truck with its hand painted slogans, knowing that the slang for a septic truck is a ‘honey pot’ (a collection of raw sewage).
Along with the painted honey bees on the truck are sayings such as ‘Tird Hearse’ and ‘Yesterday’ GǪ Meals on Wheels.’ Scott’ trucks were all hand painted by (late) Gene Kinsel of Houghton Lake.
‘We argued about how to spell ‘turd’,’ Mark said, finally letting Kinsel spell it how he wanted.
Mark Scott was born in East Detroit and moved with his family to Sterling in 1972. Shortly after that his dad, W.H. ‘Scotty’ Scott purchased the Wycoff Sawmill in Roscommon. Mark helped his dad in the business while also attending Kirtland Community College earning many certificates and degrees. Scott’ Wood Products expanded to include construction, storage, and septic services. He moved to Roscommon in 1975 and became active in the community.
Faith, Family, and Community – those words can pretty much sum up Mark’ philosophy in life. While he holds a list of achievements and awards, including Cub Den Leader Award, Webelos Den Leader Award, Scoutmaster Award of Merit, 2006 Outstanding Alumnus (KCC), and Prince of Peace Councils Family of the Month, you won’t hear Mark volunteer much about them. He lives his Catholic faith quietly.
‘We feel good deeds and acts of kindness are truly contagious and can make a difference – some we may never even know about,’ Mark said. ‘That person behind you at the drive-thru whose meal you pay for, the stranger you encounter and give a smile while about your busy day, the people you pray for without them knowing.’
He runs a family business, taking over Scott’ Enterprises after Scotty passed away in 2014, and teaching the business to his kids. He and his wife Peggy have four children, Mandy (Jim) Kramer, Danielle (Zach) Gerdes, Joshua, and Shannon; along with five grandchildren.
‘I love having my family work with me, Danielle, my son-in-law, Zach,’ Mark said. ‘And with the office next door (to his parent’ house), I get to have lunch with my mom almost every day.’
An Eagle Scout himself, Mark became involved in the Roscommon Cub/Boy Scout Troops when his son Josh joined the Tiger Cubs in 1997. Mark became the Tiger Cub Adult Leader and continued in leadership roles in the troop throughout the years. Josh became the 50th Eagle Scout in the Roscommon Boy Scout Troop 944. Even after his son aged out of boy scouts, Mark continued serving and still serves as the Charter Organization Representative.
‘I love this community,’ Scott said. ‘It’ a great place to live and raise a family. If something happens people help you out. When Peggy had a troubled pregnancy, meals just started showing up.’
And when the community needs help, Mark is there to help them. It may be small and unnoticeable, like donating firewood to the Eagles Club for their winter skiing program, but it is big to the recipients. And you can bet it will be a quiet assistance, one done without expectation of notice and fanfare. Although, a pie is always a welcome ‘Thank you.’
