Mark Tongen is a native of Holt, Michigan (just south of Lansing). He grew up staying active in sports year-round, playing ice hockey, lacrosse, running cross country, and skiing. After graduating high school in 2008, he began working at a local pizza shop and became an assistant coach for the Holt High School lacrosse team. During this time he was also taking college courses at Lansing Community College / Ferris State University with a focus on IT and business. After several years in the restaurant industry, Mark joined a real estate team where he handled customer service and marketing, and eventually became a licensed Realtor (and also hosted karaoke on Saturday nights at the local pub). Mark met his wife, Merritt, in 2016 and decided it was time to finish school and find a more stable career. He graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor's degree in business and in 2017 was able to secure a position with Auto-Owners Insurance as a claims adjuster in Boise, Idaho. In 2019, Mark moved back to Merritt's home town (Waynesville) so that Merritt could transition into the family insurance agency. Mark stayed with Auto-Owners as a claims adjuster at the Asheville branch until 2022, at which point he joined the family business.

With his background in claims, technology, and customer service, he has stepped into the agency and taken up these responsibilities, and enjoys being able to provide inside insight to clients when it comes to claims. He is enjoying being able to spend more time with family these days, and is proud to be part of a local business with such a long history, and strives to carry on the legacy that has been built at LN Davis.

As a parent of 3 kids, Mark has had to reconfigure his hobbies, and has re-kindled an old love of running. He also loves spending time outdoors with his family any chance he gets; skiing; and all things hockey. As a flatlander from Michigan, Mark has found that Western Carolina has a ton to offer in the form of outdoor sports (but would still love to find an investor who is willing to open an ice rink!).