Former Webber International University basketball standout Mark Marlar has spread his wings into another realm of creativity. The current Webber grad is the founder of Awaken BMS, a performance apparel company.

AwakenBMS uses a signature combination of fabric called EnduraFlux. It’s lightweight, breathable design offers versatility for many different forms of exercise. It’s a combination that was developed over many hours of research. The AwakenBMS team wanted to find a versatile fabric that could be used in many different forms and would allow individuals limitless motion for multiple activities.

The Polk County community recognizes Mark and his band of brothers as a talented athletic trio. Mark and his two brothers attended Webber International University upon high school graduation. Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and his Master of Business Administration in Business Management.

Marlar pondered the concept upon completing his MBA. He went on to pursue a professional basketball career in the South of France. He tried out for a team in Mont de Marsan, when he had a crippling injury that herniated two of his lower vertebrate. The specific concept came about when he was unable to be active for weeks, while he was at close friends parents house in a foreign country, he was allotted time to think.

“This was the most difficult period I had ever faced in my life, and I couldn’t help but wonder if my life would ever begin to take the direction I had imagined. Then a thought hit me one day while I was staring at the ceiling; it was as if a deeper part of myself was answering my questions. I began to realize that my life was waiting on me to decide when it would take off,” a reminiscent Marlar explains.

Upon having this realization, Mark decided that is was time to follow a different dream. Like anyone in his situation, he faced the fear of failure and social acceptance of the ones who loved him the most. From the fear, hope was defined. This same hope is the birth of AwakenBMS. “We want to help others unleash the greatness that resides in each of us, but to do this you have to adhere to health in all aspects of life, Body, Mind, and Spirit (BMS).”

“This is the message that we want to convey at AwakenBMS, that greatness exists within each and every one of us. You don’t have to go to another country to find it, or buy a new pair of shoes, it’s already there; you just have to consciously make the decision to unleash it,” Marlar states.

Marlar has involved a circle of friends and family to help with his clothing line launch and advertisement, which he credits is the most “rewarding part of the business.” Brothers Luke and Dave Marlar as well as college friend Tyler Hoevenaar were heavy involved in the birth of the business. Chad and Trey Deberry are also credited as a major help in the development process as well, in addition to the patience, love, support, and belief of Jessica Margan.

AwakenBMS may have been most recently seen at a booth at the runners expo at the Gate River Run, where they focused on promoting their new line, and also raising awareness for the F.A.C.E. (fitness and character education) foundation based in Jacksonville.

“I want to stress the importance of the support of those around me, without the belief of others, I would have never been inspired to begin the path to my own dreams,” Marlar states.

AwakenBMS can be found on all major social media networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) at Awakenbms as well as a full line of athletic apparel on the company website: www.awakenbms.com.