Biography

Mark’s father is a Northeast OK rancher and software engineer. At the early age of 12, not only was his father teaching him the discipline and work ethic of a working family farm, he was also teaching him database management and coding, to assist with his software projects. Mark started his professional career while still in high school.  After mastering IBM RPG II, Basic, and COBOL, he was helping his father install IBM mini-frame systems for medium-sized enterprises.

After high school, Mark accepted an Air Force ROTC scholarship, and was looking forward to a long and successful military career. Tragically, that life path was cut short by a near-fatal car accident before his initial training had concluded.

After some time recovering, Mark went back to Oklahoma State University, not sure what was next, but understanding now more than ever, how important a college education was going to be, to have a successful life, despite the disabilities suffered from the car accident.

In order to make ends meet and pay for college, Mark used his knowledge of computers, programming, and management of Information Systems to begin his own business: Software and Accounting Solutions, Inc. He then began installing computerized accounting and database systems for small businesses, using networking technology for PCs, a new concept at the time.  During this period, Mark was a SAGE software Dealer/Developer, Microsoft Certified Network Engineer (CNE), and Microsoft Certified Solution Provider (CSP).

It soon became clear, that for most clients, there was a need to perform additional accounting work, beyond the initial technical task of software installation. This realization cleared the path for Mark to combine the two disciplines into a one-stop, custom-tailored business solution. In 1995, Mark graduated from Oklahoma State University with a double major in Accounting and Economics, earning his CPA shortly thereafter in 1997.

As often happens, life would once again interrupt, as Mark became a single father and, based on the well-being of his two young daughters, made the decision to close his businesses in Stillwater and move to Tulsa. This enabled him to be closer to his parents, and have help raising his girls. To provide for his family, Mark worked in CFO, Controller, and Contract Controller capacities for several years. 

2011 would mark his re-entry into public accounting.  Beginning mainly with contracting and consulting work with other CPA firms at first, but eventually settling into one firm. After a four-year stint as Tax Manager, Mark decided to open his own firm, and has since prospered on his own.

He is a proud father of two successful grown women and has decided to make Tulsa his adopted hometown. He operates his C. Mark Winfrey, CPA firm from an office within the Kennedy Building, in the heart of downtown.