How does one man's childhood fascination with thunderstorms lead to a career as the chief meteorologist at a renowned news station? Join me, Kelly Brothers, on Bite Size Finance as we sit down with Mark Finan, KCRA's Chief Meteorologist, who shares his captivating journey from Southern New Hampshire to the University of Utah and beyond. Mark's early love for extreme weather, inspired by his father's enthusiasm and his mother's fears, set him on a path to a storied career that spanned decades.

Mark offers reflections on his professional journey, shedding light on the pivotal moments that defined his tenure at KCRA. From his humble beginnings doing overnight weather segments to becoming Chief Meteorologist in 1997, Mark recounts the unforgettable weather events that marked his career. Hear firsthand accounts of the New Year's Eve storm of 1997, continuous coverage of nearly 96 hours, and the critical updates during the 2017 Oroville Dam crisis. These experiences underscore the vital role of local news in disaster response and the impact of KCRA's diligence in reporting weather related coverage.

As Mark approaches retirement, he opens up about his future plans, including building a photography company and continuing weather forecasting on YouTube. We delve into the challenges of finding unbiased climate change information and the broader issue of science reporting accuracy. Mark is a rare breed of weather anchor in that his passion for the product permeates his very being. His commitment to his viewers has always been to do whatever he needed to deliver the best information to the audience that trusted him.

You can learn more about Marks photography by visiting: www.markfinanphotography.com

For more information on what we provide at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com.

You can contact me, Kelly Brothers, through the show at: [email protected]

To reach me at CAPTRUST visit www.captrust.com/locations/sacramento-ca/

Episode Chapter Summary

(00:00) Mark Finan

Mark Finan's childhood fascination with weather led him to study meteorology at the University of Utah, where his passion for weather patterns remained constant.

(14:21) Television Career Reflections and Opportunities

Professionalism leads to unexpected opportunities in the television news industry, as seen through a personal story of grace under pressure.

(24:51) Memorable Weather Events in Northern California

Mark's journey at KCRA, from overnight weather segments to Chief Meteorologist, and coverage of significant weather events in Northern California.

(29:49) Lessons Learned During Natural Disasters

Local news played a crucial role in disaster response during the 1995 and 1997 floods in Roseville and Marysville, California.

(34:09) Retirement, Climate Change, and AI Weather

Retired meteorologist Mark Finan discusses his new photography company, climate change misinformation, and the accuracy of science reporting.

(47:37) Mark Finan's Art Showcase at Cellars

Mark Finan shares insights on his photography displayed in Capital Cellars, aligning with his passion for wine.