In this edition of Vetegrity Snapshots, we’re catching up with Mark Brinckerhoff, Vetegrity’s first employee heading into retirement! Read his story below:
You’ve had a remarkable journey—from secure-space architecture to computer rooms and government facilities. What drew you to this kind of work, and what’s kept you going over the years?
My journey actually began with a two-year stint in Nepal with the US Peace Corps. Some of my Peace Corps cohorts were Vietnam War Veterans. They had my back while we worked together in the remote mountains. Now I feel like I’m paying back to our brothers and sisters in uniform, as I work at the foot of the mountains here in Denver, for Vetegrity and the DoD.
It’s been a long journey from Nepal to Vetegrity, but the journey has been focused on helping others and sharing what I’ve learned. While I can still help and share – I will keep going, even if it’s off the deep end into retirement.
You’ve described your early days at DISA as building something without a roadmap. What helped you stay grounded during that time?
For the first portion of my career I worked in a number of architectural offices, in a number of states, for a number of numbing years. I eventually searched for a lateral move to find new opportunities. The challenge of new things keeps boredom at bay – I find it energizing and enlivening. Having no roadmap means you have to find your own path. I look at it as an adventure.
What keeps me grounded? My wife often asks me how I keep anxiety from bubbling up. Perhaps being grounded, and keeping anxiety under control is the same thing. Know what you can do – and what is not possible. Focus on the possible. Monitor the impossible. Take one step at a time. And learn from mistakes. Cherish the lessons – shake off the emotional baggage.
Vetegrity is your last stop before retirement—our first retiree alumni! What’s made this chapter of your career different from the others?
This chapter of my career has been about learning my way around government jargon, procedures, codes, and regulations. There is more to learn than anyone can possibly absorb. Every week some other point is brought to my attention – something else to research and learn.
Another issue. Our office is in Denver, but we support facilities around the world. Learning to work remotely with our far-flung facilities gave me a headstart on the whole pandemic telework world.
You’ve been part of a small team, yet you said you always felt supported. What did that sense of support look like for you at Vetegrity, even at a distance?
We are a small Vetegrity colony here in Denver. But this is a small self-reliant group that can always find time to help each other with any questions or problems. We are also embedded with government workers, and we act as a cohesive team. I’ve found the government workers to be very helpful and great mentors.
Looking back on your career, what advice would you give to someone just starting out—especially someone who might be blazing a new trail without a clear map?
It’s never too early to plan for retirement. Start your contributions NOW! Your retirement vehicle should not be a shopping cart and a space under the highway interchange ramp.
Aside from that … Stay engaged. Fight boredom. Embrace change. Keep learning.
What’s next for you in this new season of life? Any big dreams, quiet goals, or well-deserved rest planned?
What’s next? Netflix and couch. I probably need to find more than that. But there IS a huge selection on Netflix. I’m starting my retirement with a ski trip, which includes time with relatives from back east.
