SA STRONG: Former drug dealer, ex-convict turns life around to help others
SAN ANTONIO - A former drug dealer and ex-convict has turned his life around to make the impossible, possible.
Mark Outing is the owner of the popular East Side burger joint, “Mark’s Outing” located on E. Commerce Street.
He was born and raised in San Antonio.
“In the projects of San Antonio. Pretty rough childhood.”
He was surrounded by drugs, violence, and homelessness.
Growing up, Outing always had one major goal in mind. He wanted to be a rapper.
He was a member of the Texas rap group, PKO that made headlines in the 1990s. However, it was not an easy start.
“Taking a point in a part of selling drugs. The fast money. That avenue for me that gave us to maybe gain a foot hole in the music industry.”
Outing told Fox San Antonio he was selling anything from marijuana to cocaine.
“The reality is, we made a lot of money,” added Outing.
As result, his career in the music industry took off. “We had a recording company. We had 2 studios.”
However, it wasn't until a run-in with the law that changed his life, forever.
“I found myself incarcerated (at the) TDC for 3 and a half years”
Outing was found guilty on an attempted murder charge. He was sentenced to 10 years and released on parole in 2003.
“The Lord saved me from my sins. I thought true happiness and true peace was getting things. I came to realize that wasn't it,” explained Outing.
The change in heart, is what brought him closer to what he does now.
“To be able to share that with others is one of the things I desired to do.”
He provides a warm meal for those who need it. He does the same work through his ministry by assisting the homeless.
The entrepreneur said the past is what gives him the strength and his faith in a higher power to help others.
“I didn't deserve anything He gave me. I didn't deserve to be out of prison, and He opened the doors to allow me to be back here. My message to the world is, turn to Jesus Christ and have life."
Outing got out of the music business in 1999. Mark’s Outing opened in 2005.
