During Mark Churella's four years at the University of Michigan, the school saw one of its most notable athletes reach incredible achievements.

He showed great promise of the things to come his freshman year when he placed third in the NCAA wrestling tournament, and began his reign as a three-time Big Ten Champion. He highlighted his collegiate career by becoming the university's first three-time NCAA champion.

He set a goal in high school to pin everybody he wrestled. He only fell short by one. He continued this goal into college, where he is Michigan's leader in recording dual meet pins for the season with eight in two different seasons. Twice he had five consecutive falls.

Churella is a member of the University of Michigan's "Hall of Honor," and is a charter member of the state of Michigan's Wrestling Hall of Fame.

In 1977, he was also the U.S.W.F. Grand National champion, and in the same year he captured the Junior World crown.

While serving as head coach at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, Churella inaugurated the Las Vegas Collegiate Invitational Tournament, which is still one of wrestling's most prestigious preseason competitions.

He continued to contribute to wrestling when he returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach from 1984-86. He now contributes to his local high school wrestling program with three sons involved in wrestling.

By becoming one of the greatest wrestlers to compete for the University of Michigan and promoting wrestling on the local, state, and national level, Mark Churella is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Mark entered into the insurance industry in 1984 as an insurance agent in the family owned agency of Financial Designs, Inc. which was founded by his father, Robert G. Churella, Sr. in 1970. Mark was appointed President and CEO of Financial Designs, Inc. in 1988. Under his leadership the FDI Group was established in 1990 to serve as the controlling entity of the growing number of companies. Today, there are nine affiliates thriving under the FDI Group umbrella which exemplifies his commitment of creative business development to bring the best solutions, the best people and the best service to the marketplace.

Mark oversees the strategic direction, development and implementation of the enterprise investment strategy and provides direction to leadership functions and business organizations to meet the enduring needs of our customers. Mark earned a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1979 and is a licensed Property & Casualty, Life & Health Insurance Producer.