My name is Mark Flaker, and I'm originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I have lived in Anchorage for more than 35 years, and I am the owner of Big Corner Shell gas station and car wash, Mort's Frozen Custard and Denali Inspection Services, located on the corner of Northern Lights Boulevard and Minnesota Street. My intuition tells me it's time to move on.
Starting June 1, the car wash will be closed and demolition will begin June 10. The gas station is scheduled for demolition on Sept. 1.
After the city let Carr's/Safeway build a gas station across the street from us, the earthquake (which did damage to the car wash too costly to repair), credit card fees and the pandemic to top it off, the toll was too much to take financially. Plus, I am turning 65. So I will be leaving my beloved state and retiring.
I have had an unbelievable career in Alaska, working as a commercial hard hat diver for Underwater Construction, Martech Inc. and Airline Support Inc., and being instrumental in the salvage of the Exxon Valdez. I could not asked for a more exciting career. I have been in almost every city in Alaska.
As an avid hunter and fisherman, gold miner, kelp and urchin diver, I can tell you, nowhere in the world can compare to Alaska's beauty and wonderment. I hate to go.
To all my patrons and friends who have been supportive over the years, thank you. I could never have done it without all of you, and I will surely miss you all.
The demolition was a very hard decision to make; Big Corner Texaco/Shell has been around for 40-plus years, and I am sure customers will miss us — especially during break-up — but after years on the market, it failed to sell, and now another landmark is lost.
Thank you, everybody. Thank you very, very much. It's time to go!
Mark Flaker
Anchorage
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