“We think community-based philanthropy is what works,” Marold said. “Work is done on a local level. We are a
philanthropic-minded law firm and want to be an inspiration to other firms, even large corporations. Making it part of our brand is our focus. It has an effect on people’s mindsets.”
Not everyone was on board with his plan, though. Marold’s father felt the economy was too tough and worried his son’s student loan debt might stop him from being able to give back 10 percent, especially as a first-year practitioner.
But he had a plan for that, too. “In lean times, you adjust,” Marold countered to his father. “Offer more reasonable rates. Take risks. Over-leverage yourself. You can make it in tough times.”
What he didn’t want was for his philanthropic plan to be seen as hollow words. Since opening his firm in November, Marold has gathered a team of volunteers to fight graffiti once a month. He decided that the biggest impact he could have was in his own neighborhood: the Gateway District bordering St. Mary’s University.
He appreciated the Neighborhood Revitalization Project that St. Mary’s champions, but noticed that graffiti was tarnishing everyone’s hard work. Partnering with the city of San Antonio’s Graffiti Abatement Program, which provides supplies of paints, chemical peels and tools, he outfitted his volunteers (groups of five to 60) who then took off on foot along Bandera Road, working the neighborhood from Hillcrest to Cincinnati Avenue.
“The act of doing is most important. Get over the fear of ‘what-if no one comes’ and just do it,” said Marold. “At the end of the day, even if it is just you, that’s great. You have still accomplished something rewarding and constructive and productive. I enjoy it every time; I love the camaraderie between volunteers.
Marold worked at a nonprofit during law school that supported kids in Third World countries by raising money for education. “That was a launching point in my mind, but I realized the need here at home,” he said. “We can actually see the impact in our daily lives.”
In San Antonio, he has been a member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters since 2007 and supports various other causes. But graffiti abatement has become his main focus as he sees the effect it can have on neighborhoods attracting new homeowners and businesses, as well as growing tourism and the economy.
“We are demonstrating that we don’t respect graffiti,” said Marold. “When people drive by and see a group working in their neighborhood, it means something to them. I hope it is inspirational to the community — that it shows we are united against graffiti.”
In an effort to have an even wider reach, Marold has collaborated with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department leading groups of young people on graffiti cleanups around the city.
“I think the Graffiti Abatement Program provides the youth a rich opportunity to give back to the community in a positive way,” said Donna Garrett, community relations coordinator with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
Marold lived in Illinois, Hawaii and California before moving to Texas with his family. But he says that of all the places he’s lived, he has an affinity for San Antonio. He credits the St. Mary’s MBA core curriculum and law school for giving him the foundation to build a successful career and providing validation for his public service goals.
“St. Mary’s was monumental in giving me the essentials to navigate the world, make a living and make a difference,” he said. “The Marianist tradition has been important in making this the focal point of my life.”
“Those who have been given chances in life should give chances to others,” he added.
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2012 issue of Gold & Blue magazine.
