My name is Mark Zinke and I’m the founder/owner/salesman/graphic designer/screen printer/website developer/customer service/accountant/social media manager/all the things at Up Here Gear.
I’m a born and raised North Dakotan and currently reside in Mandan, ND with my wife Steph and two sons – Liam(5) and Brody(2). My main profession is an elementary physical education teacher in Mandan. I’ve been teaching for 7 years, but I’ve also been in the screen printing/apparel industry for 10+ years. I started as a screen printer for Northern Trophy in high school and I am currently a salesman for the same company as it is my wife’s family business.
I decided to start Up Here Gear (AsceND at the time) in 2019 after I spent a year living in Arizona. The idea formed because I was always looking for apparel that I could wear in AZ to represent the great state of North Dakota. I had a lot of trouble finding quality and affordable ND apparel, so I made it my goal to provide that for others. In the midst of price increases happening all over in every industry, I pride myself in keeping my apparel affordable.
Growing this small business to what it is now has been so fun to do and I can’t thank you enough. I’ve met so many awesome people, gotten to know many repeating costumers, and I’ve loved providing you all with products that I’m so proud of.
