As the Vikings approach the 2008 season, team President Mark Wilf has played a key role in the development of the business aspects of the club and organizing the leadership of the franchise to mirror the successful family model that the Wilf family has implemented in other successful ventures. Entering the fourth year of their ownership of the Minnesota Vikings, the Wilf family and their partners have placed a premium on building with vision and investing in the long-term viability of the team. Building on the rich tradition of the franchise, the ownership group stresses the civic and corporate citizenship of the Vikings moving into the future.Along with dramatic facility upgrades at Winter Park since taking over the team, the ownership has prided itself on improving the identity and atmosphere associated with the franchise. The Vikings have been a valuable part of the fabric of life in the region since beginning play in 1961. The Wilf family takes pride in building on the proud tradition of community involvement the franchise has been known for.The Wilfs lead an ownership group that closely mirrors the structure that has led the Wilf family to national prominence in their business ventures with Garden Homes Development, a nationwide leader in retail, commercial and private residential development.An NFL franchise is a valuable commodity to a community and the Wilf ownership group recognizes and embraces the role as a civic leader. Under Mark Wilf’s direction, the Vikings have taken a more prominent role as a business and community leader and embraced their fans and partners locally and worldwide.Another lifelong fan of the NFL, Mark brings the same passion and desire to succeed in the Wilf’s professional football as his elder sibling, Zygi. Throughout their professional lives, the brothers have worked tirelessly to involve everyone associated in their businesses as members of the family. The Minnesota Vikings are the latest extension of the family model and one that is especially close to the family’s heart with the opportunity to be actively engaged in the game they grew up passionately following. Mark Wilf has been actively involved with the Wilf family’s Garden Homes Development enterprises and has served as a principal in the family business.A long-time fan of college and professional football, Wilf is no stranger to the game or the thrill of competition. During his collegiate years, Mark served as the radio voice of Princeton Tigers football and basketball. Wilf earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and later graduated from the New York University School of Law.The Wilf family tradition of generous philanthropy and advancing causes with special meaning has been passed through the generations.Wilf, 46, and wife, Jane, have four children. The couple is actively involved in several causes close to the heart of the Wilf family.