MY STORY
Welcome to my story—a 37-year adventure filled with challenges, growth, and reinvention. I never went to college. Instead, I chose a different path—the Army Infantry. My time in the military was transformative. I saw a lot of combat, which taught me the true meaning of bravery, resilience, and the value of camaraderie. These experiences shaped who I am today and continue to influence my approach to life and business.
After leaving the Army, I faced new battles on the home front. I’ve been divorced twice, each time learning hard lessons about relationships and personal growth. Now, I’m on my third marriage to an amazing woman, Sarah McKnight. Sarah is 25 and works as an RN in the emergency room at Phelps Health in Rolla. Her dedication to her work and her compassion inspire me every day.
Our family is a lively and loving mix. We have a son, Olen, who is four years old, and four wonderful daughters: Alivia, who is 18, Sutton, who is 10, Maggie, who is nine, and Laurali, who is three. Each of them brings a unique joy and perspective to our lives, and being their father is one of my greatest achievements.
Family dynamics have always played a significant role in my life. My parents divorced when I was ten, and both remarried. My dad, Mark McKnight Sr., is married to Theresa McKnight, and my mom, Teresa Smith, is married to Bobby Smith. These changes taught me about the complexities of family relationships and the strength required to adapt and move forward. I have one brother, Tyler Slawson, who serves in the Navy, and two sisters: Magen Riechers, who works with my mom as a probation officer, and Brooklyn McKnight, whose career path remains unknown to me.
My latest adventure has taken me into the world of business. I am the CEO of Legacy Strategies, a personal life coach and entrepreneurial coach. This role allows me to draw on my diverse life experiences to help others. Within my coaching program, I focus on key areas like building a solid family life, creating a better mindset, developing the ability to work well with others, being honest with oneself, and taking accountability for everything.
I strive to provide unparalleled value to my clients. I want every client to feel like they should be paying more for my services because they are receiving so much. Unlike many coaches and mentors who disappear after payment, I remain a constant source of support and guidance, ensuring my clients achieve their fullest potential.
My journey from the battlefields to the boardroom has been one of resilience and reinvention. Every challenge has been an opportunity for growth, and every setback a chance to learn. I’m here to share these lessons, to inspire others, and to help them achieve their dreams. Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here’s to embracing life’s challenges and emerging stronger, together.
Vision
To empower individuals to unlock their full potential, achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, and create balanced, fulfilling lives. We envision a world where every person confidently pursues their passions, overcomes obstacles with resilience, and thrives both personally and professionally. Our commitment is to provide transformative coaching that nurtures growth, fosters innovation, and builds strong, supportive communities.
TESTIMONIALS
"I had the pleasure of being coached by Mark McKnight for six months, focusing on my business endeavors. Mark’s coaching was nothing short of amazing. He was incredibly thorough, and the information he provided was on another level. Every goal we set and everything we aimed to accomplish, we did. Mark’s guidance and expertise were instrumental in our success. If I need any more help in the future, I would definitely go back to him without hesitation. Highly recommended!"
~Bryan
"My name is Tyler Slawson, and I have been working with Mark McKnight on coaching as I transition from the Navy to civilian life. With six months left in the Navy, I have numerous options to consider, and Mark has been instrumental in helping me navigate this process. He has helped me realize many of my strengths and weaknesses, overcome numerous challenges, and has significantly improved my outlook on both business and life. Mark works at my speed, providing me with the tools I need to succeed. I feel confident that I will be ready for my entrepreneurial journey once I complete my service. I highly recommend Mark to anyone in the military seeking guidance and support.”
