Mark was born and raised in Timmins, Ontario. He completed his Commerce degree at Laurentian University in 1983. Complementing his formal education are various professional designations. They include: Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.) and Canadian Investment Manager (CIM). He is also a licensed life and disability insurance agent.
In the early 1990s Mark and his wife Cindy were both employed in the financial services industry in the Greater Toronto Area. They decided to relocate to Sudbury in 1994 and shortly thereafter, they began their family. Mark and Cindy have two daughters and a son. The Smiths enjoy the outdoors and spend time hiking, camping and snowshoeing.