A Conversation With Steve Marino - Michigan Community Leader And Former State Representative

Born and raised in Macomb County, Steve Marino, Michigan community leader and former Michigan State Representative, is more than just another notable figure in the realm of public service. His early life was one forged with a strong sense of community. As is true of so many who came from the Detroit area in the early 1990s, Marino's leadership qualities shone through at a young age - even by the team he'd reached L'Anse Creuse High School.

It was during those formidable years that he was not only Senior Class President, but would also receive the Wendy's High School Heisman award. His academic journey soon took him to the esteemed Michigan State University, where he earned not one but three Bachelor's degrees while also serving as Student Body President, Student Liaison to the MSU Board of Trustees, and more.

To say that Steve Marino is someone who has dedicated himself to helping others is, at this point, likely a bit of an understatement. Note that this was all before his legislative career began in earnest when he became a State Representative for the 24th District in 2017.

Steve Marino served three terms and quickly became known for his bipartisan approach to legislation, particularly when it came to economic development and healthcare. He earned several awards, including but not limited to the "Legislator of the Year" award by the Small Business Association of Michigan in 2021.

He also became notable on a national stage for his significant efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw him advocate for telehealth platforms while also securing substantial investments for those across the state.

All this is to say that for as impressive as his career has been to this point, for Steve Marino, Michigan has its best days ahead, and he is just getting started. When you think about all he's been able to accomplish in even just the last six years, it's exciting to think about what the next few may have in store for him and for Michigan.

Whenever someone who has amassed these types of experiences is willing to share some of the wisdom they learned along the way, it's a conversation worth paying attention to. That's exactly what happened recently when Marino sat down to share his thoughts on politics, community, and more.

What characteristics of yours set you apart from others in your field?

In the field of public policy, I believe a few things that set me apart are that I have served in almost every capacity in the realm of government, from elected local and state office, serving as staff in the legislature, being a lobbyist before ever running for office, and my ability to develop subject-matter expertise in a relatively limited amount of time.

What are some unique experiences in your life that have helped shape who you are?

I feel as if a large portion of my life was a series of unique experiences: dual enrolling in college beginning at age 16, being my high school quarterback, being elected student body president in high school and also at Michigan State University, playing lacrosse in college, serving as the student liaison to the MSU Board of Trustees, creating student representation in middle school and high school in the district’s “Community Action Coalition” comprised of administrators and officials in the community, watching Michigan State play UNC in basketball on an aircraft carrier with POTUS in the audience, being a lobbyist at age 22, being elected to the Macomb County Commission at age 25 to represent a county with nearly one million people in it, serving three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, being appointed the Chairman of the Commerce & Tourism Committee (the first of two terms during the COVID-19 Pandemic), authoring my first piece of legislation to be signed into law while I was still in undergrad, drafting a memo in my first job after college about the potential for a bill to require dental screenings and watching it become law on the Floor of the House of Representatives and voting on it, securing state funding for the largest investment in my local community college’s history during a high-stakes negotiation on a last-night lame-duck push to conclude my first term and watching the building being unveiled last week.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

My ability to grasp new concepts and rapidly retain knowledge of complex topics along with my desire to be a lifelong learner. I have to constantly challenge myself or I feel uneasy and complacent. I recall teaching myself the alphabet of American Sign Language from the first encyclopedia (letter “A”) I opened. My thirst for knowledge has yet to stop as I am pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration and potentially a JD/MBA.

What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?

Ideally, I plan my day so there is never a “typical” day. I like to keep and carry a hardcopy planner and notebook with me, take meticulous notes, and jot down thoughts. My key productivity tricks are writing down 3-5 tasks for the following day, setting out clothes the night before, using an Eisenhower matrix, which helps me prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, and sorting out less urgent and important tasks that I should either delegate or not do at all. I also use Cornell notes in meetings and employ the Pomodoro technique, a time management method I have found to be very helpful.

What is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Learn how to learn, exercise daily, never stop dating (even if married, still “date your spouse”), and write thank you notes to every new person you meet at work.

What is your approach to starting a new project?

Study the issue and how others may have approached the problem, build a task list, and Eisenhower matrix, and be amenable to change to see your project through.

What are some of the keys to effective decision-making?

Know that not making a decision is decision-making, recognizing differing perspectives when considering input and solutions, delegating tasks, and empowering others when possible.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love the outdoors, hiking, being on the water (Lake St. Clair, specifically), golf, and lacrosse (playing and coaching). I recently started coaching at a non-profit for men and women in Detroit.