Mark Golden, CEO and Co-founder of Golden Artist Colors, began the company in 1980 with 4 employees, his father Sam Golden, mother Adele and wife Barbara. Originating in a cow barn on his parents’ retirement home in rural Columbus, NY, the company made and delivered custom paint colors for artists in Manhattan. GOLDEN’s staff of full-time Employee Owners is now 250, with facilities in Columbus as well as Norwich, NY. GOLDEN sells its products in over 60 countries.  

Mark was selected as the 1996 Small Business Person of the Year for NY and recognized by President Bill Clinton for his activities in creating a business exemplifying the spirit of Corporate Citizenship, providing a work environment that values all employees. In 2006, Mark received an award from the American Institute for Conservation, recognizing his contributions to the art conservation field. In 2005, he received the NYFA 2005 Inspiration Award and was honored by the Manufacturers Association of Central New York with a 2005 Wall of Fame Award.  In 2011, Inc. Magazine recognized GOLDEN as one of the top 50 small businesses to work for.  In 2012, GOLDEN was recognized by Americans for the Arts as a top 10 contributor to the arts in the US. In 2014 Mark received an honorary Doctorate from Colgate University for his work in support of the local and international arts community. In March 2018, Mark was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Art Materials Association (NAMTA). In April 2019, Mark was awarded the Center for Arts Education Champion of Arts Education Award for being a visionary in the field. 

In 1997, Mark and his family began The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts to honor their parents. Its mission is to be a significant resource for visual artists. Over the next 14 years, the Foundation donated to numerous artists and art organizations. In 2010, the Foundation began constructing the Golden Residence, a 10,000-square-foot living and work space for invited artists which opened in 2012.