Marvin "Skip" Marlin started his career in 1975 as an industrial packaging designer and design manager for both International Paper and Gaylord Container. After 23 years with the paper companies, he became vice president for corporate packaging with Del Monte Fresh Produce, retiring from corporate work in 2017. In addition to his career in packaging, he was always interested in astronomy, buying his first 6-inch telescope in 1986, then building his own 13-inch Dobsonian telescope in 1993. After he retired, he began pursuing amateur astronomy in earnest, joining the Panama City Astronomical Society. He began by participating in public observing sessions, using his 13-inch telescope. Later, he started working with the public library and local state parks on educational programs and organizing star parties to showcase the night sky. He also became a contributing member of Dark Sky International to promote responsible outdoor lighting and raise awareness of the environmental concerns for improper night lighting as it affects both humans and wildlife. He has always wanted to educate, share, and be an advocate for space exploration and the night sky.