Mark’s love for tennis all began in the early 1960’s at the Heman Park tennis courts in University City, Missouri. For only $2 you could get an annual permit, and the lessons were free. It also didn’t hurt that Mark was fortunate enough to learn the game from one of the best. He took lessons from another USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Famer, Earl Buchholz Sr.

In 1976, Platt began teaching tennis at the same U. City program where he learned the game. Eight years later, he created Beginner’s World Tennis. This program was designed for new players and uses a combination of parties, team tennis leagues, community-based lessons and special events. With this new program in hand, he often found new students by hanging around tennis courts, looking out for players with awkward strokes or older, out-of-date equipment.

Over the years, Mark’s programs have continued to grow. Being an innovator and a pioneer, he invented a game called Fun Tennis 44, which uses a 44-foot-long pickleball court. The players hit a dense foam ball but, unlike pickleball, they use tennis strokes. Mark created this program with the intention that it is a game that is a building block for tennis.

He has frequently been recognized for his teaching techniques, however, for Mark, teaching is only a small part of his work with players. He also views his role in their lives as being a mentor, facilitator and networker. And although, he has found his sweet spot in beginners, whether they are preteen kids or adults — it is with the latter group where Mark discovered the importance of the social aspect of group lessons.

Mark found that planning tennis parties, leagues and special events helped not only to increase his business, but also helped those adult beginners who needed a support system. These networking and organizational skills came in handy when he branched out into charitable work as well as being able to pivot during the Covid Pandemic.