Family, entrepreneur, ski holiday: Mark Streit’s new life

Meanwhile, parents also enjoy a short descent into the snow before fortifying themselves with hot chocolate and a cup of coffee at the summit restaurant. And talk about their lives after top sport. Mark Streit was a superstar in American sports and one of the best Swiss ice hockey players in history. His heyday was twelve years in North America, in the best league in the world, the NHL. In 2017, he won the most important hockey trophy of all, the Stanley Cup, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shortly afterwards, Streit declared the end of his active career due to old age and returned to Switzerland.

“I still find it difficult to no longer practice the sport,” he muses as he sips his coffee. “I was able to do my dream job for a long time. Today when I see photos of matches, these expressions and emotions, I still miss ice hockey very much.”

Streit had actually wanted to take some time off after the end of his career, but was quickly overwhelmed by offers. So being an athlete transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship. “I am a very careful boy and have a good understanding of people,” is how he describes himself. That is why he believes that a basis of trust, good interaction with each other and mutual respect are important.

Together with a good friend he founded the watch brand Norqain. He is also operationally active there, mainly focusing on the North American market. A success story. Norqain now has several branches and approximately 60 employees. Together with other great athletes such as football goalkeeper Yann Sommer, wrestling king Christian Stucki and NHL star Roman Josi, he also bought the Adelboden mineral springs last summer. The sports legends wanted to ensure that the water sources remained in Swiss hands. “My involvement in this traditional company has helped me a lot in the entrepreneurial field. It’s a really cool team that lives by the same values ​​and beliefs as I do.”

Streit also sits on the board of directors of SC Bern. He currently does not want to take on any duties on the ice, for example as a coach. “This would not be compatible with a family and small children,” he explains. “When I was active, I was probably on the road more than before, especially in the evenings and on weekends.” He plans to speak in the future about his exciting life as a speaker and is writing his first keynote speech.

The fact that her husband is very flexible in his career also has advantages for his wife Fabienne. The former Mrs. Bern was able to use the time and pursue further training in the field of mediation and crisis communication. The only thing missing is the master’s thesis to complete it successfully. She was a media spokesperson at Swiss-Ski and knows that communication works from within. “Where people live or work together, there is a chance of conflict,” she says. “I would like to consult independently with clients.” “’Streit Consulting’ is the perfect name for that,” Mark interjects, laughing.

Mark Streit shows his holiday apartment

The girls are back from ski school and with shining eyes and red cheeks talk about everything they have learned. The ski instructor praises the children and says they had a fantastic ski. In the mountain hut there is lunch, pasta with tomato sauce. But the two children prefer to focus on dessert: a small pack of gummy bears. Then we go home, to the new holiday apartment on the outskirts of Crans-Montana. The ski lessons made me tired.

It is a four and a half room apartment on the top floor of a new chalet. The Streits decided to purchase while the house was still under construction. A spontaneous decision: a good friend brokered the deal. “As far as the expansion is concerned, we were able to decide everything ourselves,” says Fabienne Streit. The rooms look rustic and modern at the same time. Everything is covered with wood and a fireplace creates a homely atmosphere. The family has been able to use the apartment since spring.

“We really enjoy being here as a family. “In the summer and fall we often went for walks or to the golf course,” the couple says. Mark Streit made millions in the NHL. He doesn’t actually have to work anymore. “Probably not,” he admits. “But doing nothing wouldn’t be for me.” That is why he focuses on a few projects that are close to his heart. And accompanies his daughters on the way to school or plays ‘Uno’ with them. «This short childhood is over so quickly. At a certain point they no longer want me to take them to school. Now I enjoy this privilege immensely.”

This is how Mark and Fabienne Streit raise their children

He continues to play ice hockey in Bern every Friday afternoon. For a chat with some other former professionals. Mark Streit can also often be found on the golf course. “More often than in the office,” Fabienne jokes. She and her husband are aware that Victoria and Josephine are growing up in a very privileged world. “It’s a challenge. You can talk to the children a lot. Ultimately, we have to set a good example,” says Fabienne. ‘Vivi’ and ‘Josy’ have to become sweet, respectful, but also self-confident women who go their own way and express themselves don’t let them be trampled on. And show appreciation for the people around you. “But they also have to learn that you have to show dedication and commitment. That’s why they help out in our household.”

“If you can get your child into a warm bed at night with a full stomach, you’ve hit the jackpot,” says Mark Streit. What is currently happening in the world makes him think, including himself. “It humbles you for what you have. Sometimes that can almost turn into fear of loss.” This makes the time together in their second home all the more important for the family. Quality of life. Recreation. Nature. Activity. Self-care. «One day the children will remember that their father gave them Schöggeli and sandwiches in the Gondeli. That is what counts.”

More photos of the visit to Mark Streit and his family’s holiday apartment can be found in Schweizer Illustrierte issue 1 / 2024, on newsstands now.