Mark was the first person I interviewed after the last hurricane, and it was the perfect way to refocus on highlighting Sarasota's unique people, places, and events. It turned out to be one of the most exciting interviews I’ve had recently.
Many of you know Mark Klecka as a community figure, a top producing Realtor at (https://www.markklecka.com/), and the creator of the highly informative Facebook group “I Love Downtown Sarasota” (https://www.facebook.com/groups/448375469578039).
He’s constantly filling our feeds with positivity and motivational posts that keep the energy high. I know Mark as a genuinely kind and endlessly creative person who brings innovation into everything he does, no matter how serious the task may seem. As Mark often says, he thrives on thinking outside the box, and that’s a quality I value most in people.
Mark’s story begins with a global childhood shaped by his parents' careers in the U.S. government. Mak was born in Bangkok, and by age 10, he had already lived in Thailand, Singapore, the Czech Republic, and Hong Kong. For young Mark, this constant movement became a way of life, accustomed to government housing, private drivers, and being surrounded by diplomats. In 1980, his family settled in Nokomis, Florida, where Mark attended grade school in Venice before moving around Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, with a brief stint in Chicago. During his time in Chicago, where he experienced snow for the first time as an adult, he quickly lost its appeal, sending him back to Florida’s warmth.
Mark's first venture into real estate came in 2003, a tough time in the market. After stepping away for a few years, he rekindled his passion for real estate and set out on an adventurous personal bucket list: living on a boat. He purchased a 43-foot Chris-Craft yacht despite having no boating experience. As he says: “Jumping into the deep end of the pool is the best way to learn.” The dream of waking up to sunrises and the peaceful sound of water was quickly tempered by the reality of storms, rain-soaked grocery runs, and the constant upkeep of boat life. After a year and a half, he sold the boat and moved into downtown Sarasota, where he’s lived ever since.
Returning to real estate, Mark renewed his license and began leveraging his previous skills in web design, social media marketing, and commercial art to stand out in a competitive real estate market. One of his standout projects was creating the Facebook group: “I Love Downtown Sarasota.” Initially focused on real estate, Mark soon noticed that people were more interested in local events and activities. Adapting to the community's needs, he turned the group into a hub for sharing information about restaurants, events, facts, happenings, and everything in Sarasota.
The group quickly gained popularity, attracting members with its cheerful atmosphere. Mark took pride in fostering a welcoming space where people could ask questions and share experiences without fear of judgment, ensuring the group remained a friendly place for genuine community connection. Over time, the group became more than just a local news source—it became a tight-knit community of Sarasota lovers worldwide.
Although the group indirectly benefits his real estate business, Mark focuses on the community first. He believes success will naturally follow when you genuinely care about people and their experiences. The group’s organic growth and the meaningful connections it has reaffirmed Mark’s belief in the power of community-driven initiatives.
In addition to his community efforts, Mark recently took on a personal challenge: waking up early to run. It’s not about fitness or speed for him, but rather discipline. He starts his day at 4:30 AM, or even 4:00 AM, with a light jog through downtown Sarasota. For Mark, getting out of bed within five seconds of the alarm ringing is the day's first win. Refusing to overthink it, he knows too well that too much thought leads to excuses to stay in bed.
His early morning run posts are a significant source of motivation for me. His example is a simple but powerful way to inspire others. And isn’t that one of the best and most natural ways to give back to the community?
Mark firmly believes that real growth happens outside of one’s comfort zone. One of his many motivational tools is Mel Robbins’ "5-second rule," which states that you count down from five and act before hesitation. Mark applies this principle to his daily life, whether getting up in the morning or making a difficult call.
Mark’s passion for pushing boundaries extends to his professional life as well. His “out of the box” thinking has set him apart in our very competitive Sarasota real estate market. He organizes open houses more like events featuring art exhibits, live music, and Prosecco, transforming the typical home viewing into a cultural experience. By creating this atmosphere, potential buyers can imagine living in the space while enjoying the surrounding art and music.
Mark keeps his creativity flowing with his podcast called “Sarasota Street Talk.” The podcast started as a simple setup outside a café but has since evolved into a live show at the Sarasota farmers market, directly on the street in front of the Gator Club and A Parker’s Books. The podcast tells the stories of everyday people. Broadcasting live on the streets, the podcast has become a big part of Mark’s connection to the community.
Adding a unique twist to his creative ideas, Mark recently introduced a cold plunge challenge after the podcast. He sets up a tub of ice water on the street and invites anyone brave enough to dip. This quirky activity has quickly become a popular part of his events, offering locals a fun, refreshing way to engage with the community.
To wrap up, Mark’s impact is an example of adding creativity, motivation, and insight to Sarasota. His approach isn’t about making bold statements—it's about constantly showing up, informing, and making things happen. With his wife, Theresa, helping keep his ideas in check, Mark stays focused and continues to push boundaries that keep the community inspired.
Photos:
Mark's archive and iruphotos.com
Thank you so much for the interview, Iru. it was so much fun, and I’m very flattered.