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Engergetic young Dallasite feeds soul through social change
Editor’s note: This is the inaugural year for CultureMap’s Top Texans Under 30, a program that celebrates the twentysomething power players making a difference in their industries and communities across the Lone Star State — and, in some cases, the world. The full list is here. For now, read all about Nick Marino Jr.
There are movers and shakers, and there are social changers. Nick Marino Jr. is all three: a marketing junkie, social entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He’s the director of social change at TangoTab, an app that helps fight hunger. When used from your smartphone, the app is similar to the Toms one-for-one model. You eat at a participating restaurant, and TangoTab donates the cost of a meal to a local food charity. Marino’s job is to spread the word about this awesome app.
It’s a laudable position by itself, but the enterprising 28-year-old University of North Texas graduate has funneled his passion for marketing, business, and philanthropy into building both the media firm Revolving Mind Media and Mission’d, a company that helps raise money for mission trips.
He claims to be the most energetic man you’ll ever meet, and he might be right. The Dallasite also has served on the Mayor’s Star Council, is a Guinness World Record holder, travels the country speaking to groups large and small, and is working on his first book.
Marino took some time out of his full schedule to chat about his sources of inspiration.
CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?
Nick Marino Jr: First, it is my faith. Second, it is my family. I am who I am because of the person my parents raised me to be. Third, it is my community.
I love seeing change for the better, and I know that I can’t make a difference if I am just sitting back and watching.
CM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other Texans trying to make a difference?
NM: It’s great to have an idea, but you have to take action on it. So many people say they want to do something; not many people do it.
Sometimes you may have to sacrifice one thing to make this happen. Sometimes you have to lose a little sleep. Every time it will be worth it, because whether you succeed or fail at it, you will always know that you tried it.
CM: Sum up Texas in three words.
NM: Never stops growing.
CM: What’s one thing that people might not know about you?
NM: I’m a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation Texan.
CM: Finish this sentence: “It’s a good day when … ”
NM: I wake up and am able to do what I love!
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RSVP now for the CultureMap Social: Top Texans Under 30 Edition, October 3 at Fearing’s, to celebrate Marino and his fellow Dallas winners.
