Mr. Marks joined telecommunications firm Metromedia upon his graduation from Texas Tech University in 1989. After two years of direct business to business sales for Metromedia Marks followed his boss to industry competitor Allnet Communications where he served as sales manager of their Dallas branch. During his time at Allnet he held multiple positions in various U.S. markets and ultimately led one of their four national regional offices. In this capacity he had direct responsibility for recruiting, hiring, training and managing a large and diverse sales and support staff covering multiple States.

After two acquisitions, an IPO, and a relocation to Allnets Midwest region Mr. Marks was looking for an opportunity to return to Texas. He was fortunate to be hired by Dallas firm Vertex Financial that specialized in working capital finance solutions for emerging or transitioning companies. At Vertex he received mentoring and training from industry leader and owner Craig Canon. It was at Vertex where Mr. Marks was introduced to the world of small business finance and discovered the enormous void in options available to entrepreneurs. In 2001 the opportunity to start Landmark Funding arose when college friend, Tom Landry, approached Mr. Marks about launching a new commercial finance venture . Marks and Landry recognized that their shared business values and different skill sets were ideal for a partnership.

Tolbert and his wife Sharilyn reside in Dallas, TX with their children Madelyn and Jack. They enjoy volunteer work for school, church and community, travelling whenever possible, and attending their kids various sporting events.