Mark Ferguson of Ferg’s Sports Bar to Speak at the Business Education Network Workshop
The Business Education Network Workshop continues to bring together experienced business leaders and entrepreneurs to share lessons that help professionals grow their businesses and strengthen their connections within the community.
This month, we are proud to welcome Mark Ferguson as one of our featured speakers.
Mark Ferguson is the founder of Ferg’s Sports Bar, a St. Petersburg institution that has grown into Florida’s largest sports bar and one of the most recognizable gathering places in the region.
A lifelong St. Petersburg resident, Mark graduated from Lakewood High School in 1976 where he excelled as a co-captain of both the basketball and baseball teams. His athletic success earned him a baseball scholarship to Edison Junior College before transferring to Florida State University.
After graduating in 1980 with a degree in physical education, Mark began his career as a physical education and health teacher at Southside Fundamental. While teaching, he continued his education and earned a master’s degree from Nova University.
In 1991, Mark took a bold entrepreneurial step and purchased a small gas station. The following year, while still teaching, he transformed it into Ferg’s Sports Bar.
By 1998, he retired from teaching to focus on the business full time. Over the next three decades, Ferg’s expanded dramatically and now spans two full city blocks in downtown St. Petersburg. In celebration of its 33rd anniversary, USA Today recently named Ferg’s Sports Bar the best local sports bar in America.
At the Business Education Network Workshop, Mark will present “The Long Game.”
In this session, Mark will discuss the history and growth of Ferg’s, the powerful partnership between the business and the Tampa Bay Rays, and the realities of navigating major disruptions, including hurricanes that forced him to rethink and pivot his business strategy.
Attendees will gain insight into the mindset required to build a lasting business, the importance of resilience, and how long-term thinking can help business owners navigate unexpected challenges.
The Business Education Network Workshop takes place every third Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the St. Pete Chamber and features four speakers along with dedicated networking opportunities.
