Mark Smith
At ESAD Int’l, we’re a global-minded, innovative company looking to drive positive change and solve social problems with the use of technology.
Tell us about yourself?
I am an American entrepreneur, journalist, and well-known human rights and constitutional activist. Twice appointed Commissioner to the Deerfield Beach Housing Authority and named one of the best activists in Broward County, Florida. Over the years, I’ve worked as a technology product developer for IBM, The Coca Cola Company, and The Walt Disney World Company.
The assistance animal industry is unfortunately rife with questionable business and therapeutic practices that exploit consumers, prejudice individuals with disabilities, dupe landlords, and generally ignore the Fair Housing Act.
Googling emotional support animals reveals countless pages of questionable business and therapeutic practices offering products that outrightly deceive consumers, individuals with disabilities, and landlords.
Having worked many of the world’s most preeminent organizations over the last 40 years, my organization strives to show a strong moral compass, and hold ourselves to a higher standard and show respect for the world around us.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Slow down, enjoy your espresso, and hug your dogs more — they’re good boys and won’t be around forever.
What problem does your business solve?
In an industry that takes advantage of persons with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation to keep their assistance animals in housing, we do every single thing by the book, there are no shortcuts.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
Early on, I had zero experience dealing with individuals suffering from significant mental health issues. Like out of a Wes Craven movie bad.
Once someone like that touches your life, and you can lend a hand, as for me, I went all in.
What is your magic sauce?
Many years of helping lots of clients, yet very very few complaints.
As the client’s advocate, my job is to make sure we take wonderful care of them, treat them as we would treat a family member, and see to their needs.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Our charity, the Ford-Polly Gunderson Foundation (FPG), is filing for non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation status with the goal of connecting uninsured and under-insured low-income individuals with compassionate and qualified clinical care professionals who provide animal-assisted mental health therapy.
Years ago, I noticed that individuals living in shelters with their assistance animal were at risk of being thrown out onto the streets. Striking a chord deep within inside, I decided to address the situation one client at a time.
We can’t fix the world, but today we can make all the difference in someone’s life.
It’s a terrific feeling to help make a tiny bit of positive difference in another’s life, and I highly recommend that to everyone.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Bogus vendors, sketchy clinicians, and ill-informed clients looking for a quick buck or a fast and cheap fix.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
If you’re a PhD-educated licensed mental health care provider who files straight, true, and level, come join our team.
Our three hires, from nearly a decade ago, are still working with us. You’ll not find a better organization on the planet.
