Mark Beshears Cook

Year Inducted: 2025

Mark Cook was born in 1969 and at six weeks old, James and Beverly Cook of Wilkesboro adopted Mark. Seven years later he was overjoyed to have his sister, Jamey, join the family as well. He is a proud graduate of Wilkes Central High School and attended Guilford College, where he earned degrees in Business Management and Accounting in 1991. Following graduation, Mark went to work for Lowe’s Companies and moved up to assistant store manager until he returned home to Wilkes County in April 1996.

Throughout his childhood, Mark spent much time in his family’s business, Cook’s Sporting Goods, started in 1946 by his grandfather, Flake Cook. Upon returning home, he went to work at Cook’s alongside his father and grandfather until Flake's passing. Mark and James continued to work together until James’ unexpected passing in 2018. Throughout their time together, Mark and James each brought unique talents to their business, and both helped it to develop through the changing industry landscape. After James’ passing, Mark continued to grow Cook’s Inc. to over sixty employees that currently serve over three hundred schools and recreation departments covering western North Carolina and Brunswick County.

Upon returning to work with his father, Mark knew one thing: you are only as good as the people around you. Adhering faithfully to this conviction, Mark is fully invested in the lives and success of his employees, as he believes they are what make Cook’s great. Mark, just like his father before him, continues to run Cook’s Inc. on the philosophy that the way to build a business is through relationships with your employees and with your customers.

Mark married his wife Lani in 2002, and they have two children: Kieran Avery Cook-Jones, married to Daniel Jones, and Maia Elizabeth Cook, currently a first-year college student. They have one grandson, Harrison James Jones. Mark is dedicated to his family, and his daughters are the light of his life.

As a young man, Mark earned the rank of Eagle Scout and loved to play soccer. Upon his return home, he found a thriving soccer community in Wilkes County and jumped back into the game. He coached soccer through Wings of Wilkes for nearly twenty years, even when his daughters did not play. Outside of coaching Mark held various roles on the Wings of Wilkes Board of Directors before serving as their treasurer for over ten years.

Now settled in his hometown, Mark has dedicated himself to the community. He has served on the Wilkes Art Gallery Board, St. Paul’s Church Vestry twice, St. Paul’s Church search committee once, and has taught Sunday School at St. Paul’s church. He currently serves on The Health Foundation Board of Directors, The Health Foundation’s scholarship committee, the Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors, and the Outdoor Economy Committee. He previously served on the District K TDA board until its recent incorporation into District W TDA.
To promote downtown businesses, Mark was instrumental in establishing the North Wilkesboro Merchants Association and currently serves as president. With the backing of this group, he launched the now annual Spooktacular event in North Wilkesboro to provide a safe and fun family event for all ages. He currently serves as the director of the event. Upon hearing of the availability of the Liberty Theatre Mark and his wife Lani, along with Mick and Aynsley Zulpo, joined forces and stepped in to preserve and ensure the future of this local historical icon. This collaboration created another avenue for the community of Wilkes to enjoy for years to come.

Mark supports or has supported in the past: Wilkes Art Gallery, The Health Foundation, Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center, Wilkes Literacy, The Children's Hope Alliance of NC (Formerly Rainbow House/Barium Springs), Wilkesboro Elementary School playground, and other local schools.

In honor of his late father, Mark established the James Cook Memorial Scholarship which recognizes one male and one female athlete from local high schools who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship (awarded $32,000 to date).