We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Alonzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My father taught me at a very young age that working and providing for your family is a privilege and to never take it for granted. My father would say that his job helped him provide for his family and it put food on our table. I’ve worked for Cintas (First Aid Division) for 34 years. I take great pride in my work, but I also don’t want it to define me as a person. I believe that a person should constantly be reinventing themselves, education, arts, sports etc.
I am a avid kayaker, I have run two Marathons and I’m also a black belt in Karate. I am a musician/songwriter currently recording my third album. I’m also a potter. I am also, very respected in the field of culinary arts. My wife and I do local meals on a weekly basis for elderly people in our community. I also cook a meal for the homeless (once a month) downtown for the EMMAUS Ministry. I believe that food is a way to show the love of Christ, (WWJD). Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.❤️

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am SSR (Sales Service Representative) for Cintas First Aid and Safety. I provide companies in the Nashville area with first aid and safety products, to help them be OSHA compliant and keep their employees safe. We also provide AED’s, Eyewash Stations, training and a complete line of safety products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Kayaking on the Harpeth River, Duck River and the Piney River. For dinner, it would be The Pharmacy and Fillin Station (Kingston Springs). For entertainment, it would be seeing music at The 5 Spot, Dee’s Country bar and Joelton Hardware.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
After giving my heart to Christ in 1996, I started helping my friend, (Mark Tillotson), with the youth group at our church, meals, music lessons etc. I learned a lot from serving under Mark. My mother taught me how important a meal can be to someone in need. I like to brag and say I’m a mama’s boy. I also have tremendous respect for Chef Michael Gray. He got me involved with the downtown homeless ministry. I am forever grateful to him.

Youtube: Mark Alonzo and The Nashville Rhythm Kings

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.