Alaska District employee Mark Eppihimer unlocked a wealth of strengths when he got into power lifting a decade ago.
“I thought it might be fun to do some strength training,” he said. “After about five years, I decided to do it competitively.”
Eppihimer — 6 feet 3 inches tall, 300 pounds — has twice been voted Alaska’s Strongest Man. He also set a state record for “dead lifting” when he picked a 716-pound barbell off the floor and held it in a standing position.
Eppihimer’s life took another turn three years ago, when he was approached about coaching Special Olympics athletes.
“I decided to give it a try, and it’s been very rewarding,” he said.
Eppihimer, a letter carrier for about a decade, moved outside his comfort zone again when a business development specialist position opened this year.
He went for the job — and got it.
“I’m learning as I go,” he said. “I enjoy meeting with customers and convincing them that the Postal Service can assist them with their mailing and shipping needs.”
