Mark Cooper has been involved in the automotive industry for over 36 years, starting at the age of 13 working weekends at his father's service station. Following his passion, he secured an apprenticeship with his local Holden dealer before becoming a fully qualified motor mechanic in 1987. Mr Cooper has worked in dealerships, service stations and small independent workshops. He then started his own mechanical service and repair business in 1995 which has since expanded to a fully operational franchise with 8 locations and employs 34 staff. In December 2013, Mr Cooper purchased two paint stores, both of which are in Southern Tasmania. In January 2016, he expanded into battery sales using his automotive service centres as retail outlets. To further his knowledge in motor vehicle repairs and servicing, Mr Cooper has attained an Automotive Electrician qualification and Automotive Technician endorsements. He has also furthered his business management skills through completing a Marketing and Financing Independent Business course, a Certificate IV in Small Business Management, and obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Commercialisation from the University of Tasmania.