It all began in 1966 when she landed in the hospital after what doctors believed to be an allergic reaction to weight loss pills given to her by a diet doctor. Her family doctor told her to find a safer way to lose weight or find a new doctor.

Then she heard about Weight Watchers, which was conducting meetings only in the New York area at the time. She decided to give it a try, and attended 15 classes in five days. Jean Nidetch, the woman who founded Weight Watchers in 1963, enabled Mark to lose weight by participating in meetings on a monthly basis rather than weekly, and she was successful.

With 50 pounds to shed, the young mother of five from Michigan traveled to New York once a month until she lost the weight. It took four months to lose the first 40 pounds and a year to shed the last 10.The people in New York suggested she take Weight Watchers back to Detroit. In July of 1966, Mark established the first Weight Watchers franchise in her home state, and held the first meeting in a school auditorium.

For four decades, Weight Watchers has helped dieters lose weight sensibly. And although she’s deeply embedded in the business of weight-loss, Mark says what she really sells is self-respect.

Her advice for women concerned with their weight is, above all, have a good attitude about yourself. She advises people to take one day at a time, and avoid chastising yourself if you eat a few Girl Scout cookies. A food mistake or setback doesn’t make you less of a person. Just do better with choices the next day. It is more important to have a solid character, give to others, volunteer your time, love those around you, and express your love. (Mark details more in-depth advice in Talk to the Mirror: Feel Great About Yourself Each and Every Day, her first book now available online or in bookstores around the U.S.)

It won’t surprise most people to hear that Mark’s idea of a late afternoon snack is a plate of steamed broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower or green beans; or that she rarely eats ice cream. She also never takes an elevator unless, perhaps, she is late for a meeting on the 30th floor of an office building.

One of Mark's priorities to her personal wellness is exercise. Her hectic lifestyle includes activities such as waking up with the treadmill; and walking, playing tennis, golfing and dancing whenever she can. Her dedication to staying fit paid off—she was named Crain’s Detroit Business and the Michigan Rehabilitation Institute’s “Michigan’s Fittest CEO” in May 2003.

Once Florine gets a chance to rest, she uses the opportunity to read an array of books and fashion magazines (bet you didn’t know red is her power color). Two other favorite pastimes are listening to music (she loves Rod Stewart, classical and jazz) and watching reruns of the "I Love Lucy Show."

Florine is immensely fond of travel. Some of her favorite vacations include touring Europe, relaxing in Northern Michigan and Palm Springs, and visiting the "Big Apple".

Mark’s most intimate moments are spent time with her family. She enjoys hosting get-togethers with her very large extended family; and scheduling time alone with each of her grandchildren.

Don’t expect Florine Mark to retire anytime soon. She doesn't believe in retirement. She loves what she does. And with an organization of like-minded people behind her, she can put her energy into the parts of the business she likes best—community relations and advocacy, public speaking and media engagements, and motivating people to be the best they can be!