about us
Team Driven is a human performance brand powered by the staff & athletes originating from the Green Beret Challenge. The name Driven is derived from watching our participants conquer their fears while taking on some of the most difficult challenges in the industry with determination and resolve! Their willingness to succeed has empowered our entire community. What drives our racers - drives us. We are Driven - "100% and then some".
According to Mark Ballas, founder & CEO, “given the challenges throughout 2020 and beyond, we felt we needed to adapt to the ever-changing landscape within OCR. "We feel the re-branding and our new, creative race format will further define our programs and allow for more scalability to continue to Build Better Humans".
Driven, 100% and then some!
Founder & CEO
Mark Ballas spent the past 27 years serving his country in various capacities that include: Special Forces Green Beret, Army Ranger, Special Forces Instructor and government contractor. As an entrepreneur and product developer, Mark was featured in the Veteran’s Business Journal May/June 2005, for developing a life-sustaining invention brought to market in support of the military, first responder and professional security industries. Military assignments include the prestigious 7th Special Forces Group, and the distinguished 75th Ranger Regiment.
Mark is well-versed in applying military special operations concepts to outdoor enthusiasts, avid athletes and corporate America. He creates a positive atmosphere that engages participants in activities that promote health and fitness; building strength, confidence and self-esteem. Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit and experiences endured throughout his Special Operations career, led to the development of the Green Beret Challenge and his new venture, The Driven!
the driven team
JP Farster - Assistant Race Director
John "JP" Farster volunteered at his first Green Beret Challenge race in 2017. From that point on he knew he wanted to get involved with the series but more importantly with Ballas and Team Driven to help it grow. JP can be found in the festival area making everything happen.
For the past 20 plus years JP has proven himself as a top performing salesman, sales manager and sales performance coach. He's primarily worked in the Federal, DOD and First responder spaces.
Aside from Driven, JP currently volunteers with the NC ESGR (Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve) where he is entering training to be an Ombudsman.
Dawn Mostiler - Volunteer Coordinator
Dawn joined up with Mark & the Green Beret Challenge in 2017 shortly after experiencing first hand some of the great work we were doing, "building better humans".
Dawn's title doesn't begin to outline everything she does for us and there isn't enough room on this page to tell you. She is however, an invaluable asset we cherish and very lucky to have her on our team.
Behind the scenes, Dawn is busy Mom and most recently taking on powerlifting competitions. Follow Dawn as she is being Driven to explode onto the powerlifting circuit.
Team Driven Athletes
Richard Estep born in San Diego but now a Georgia native has been running obstacle course races since 2013 and has been an elite racer since 2014. Going by the name Supreme Elite, Richard has raced side-by-side with some of the top athletes in OCR throughout the world. He has mastered several techniques increasing efficiency negotiating obstacles and isn't showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Richard loves coaching proper running techniques and laying in his arsenal is an extensive soccer background spanning 25+ years. He has qualified and participated in multiple obstacle course World Championship Races every year and has multiple podium finishes for Green Beret Challenge. Pictured with Richard is his wife Stephanie who is also part of the Driven family.
Lance Johnson has been participating in OCR events since 2014, had his first taste of the Green Beret Challenge in 2015 and has been hooked ever since. Lance has a broad racing spectrum ranging from quick sprints to 24hr/long distance endurance events and is always challenging himself to improve every event.
Lance's training & support team includes his wife Ginna who also is an avid OCR participant, and their two daughters, Mattie & Zoey which are usually found at the finish line passing out medals. The Johnson's are also Alabama natives and currently reside outside Mobile.
Alabama native and U.S. Marine, Austin Hutchins, continues to improve every race. Austin got his racing career started in 2016. Since, he has ran an over 150 miles in obstacle course races & trail races.
After returning from his recent deployment, he joined the GBC / Driven Pro Team and jumped right back into racing. Austin continues to improve his game every race to include scoring some top 3 finishes.
Born and raised in Georgia, Martin went to University of West Florida on a Cross Country and Track scholarship. Unfortunately an injury ended his career a bit early.
Martin not only battles many athletes on the race course, he also endures a daily fight with asthma and issues resulting from collapsed lungs as at birth.
Regardless of any health issues, Martin is always running top 3 wherever he goes. We are stoked to have Martin as our newest team member.
