Marc Benzakein

Seriously, BUD?

Send us a text

An unexpected conversation with someone who has dedicated his life to something much bigger than himself.
I had an enlightening conversation with Marc Benzakein on Seriously Bud, where we dove into the fascinating background of his parents—his father hailing from the Belgian Congo and his mother from Wisconsin. They met in college in the U.S., leading to a family life that included Marc and his three siblings. Marc shared how he and his siblings, especially his sister, had a typical sibling rivalry growing up, which evolved into a strong, respectful relationship as they got older.

Marc’s personal life is equally intriguing. After marrying and having two biological children, he and his ex-wife adopted six more children from foster care, driven by her personal experience of aging out of the system. They renovated a large house in Milwaukee to create a welcoming environment for their children, even fostering community spirit by making their home a neighborhood hub. Despite the eventual dissolution of his marriage, Marc remains deeply committed to co-parenting and ensuring stability for their children.

Our conversation also touched on Marc’s current relationship with a woman he reconnected with after high school. Although they didn’t interact much back then, they found common ground years later, and their relationship blossomed after Marc’s divorce. Marc reflected on how their different life paths and experiences likely made them better suited for each other now than they would have been in high school.

Professionally, Marc’s journey has been diverse, spanning various industries, from working at Circuit City and starting a camera store to importing coffee and eventually diving into the WordPress community. His entrance into WordPress was sparked by a need to pivot his business model, leading him to create a successful affiliate website. His work with ServerPress, where he served as operations manager, is a testament to his adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, despite the company’s eventual closure.

Finally, Marc shared a personal anecdote about getting Botox, a first-time experience driven by his supportive role in his girlfriend’s career. This lighthearted moment underscored his openness to trying new things and his dedication to those he cares about. When asked who he would recommend for the next Seriously Bud interview, Marc suggested his longtime friend and business partner, Greg Franklin, who he believes would offer valuable insights and stories.