Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Faulkner.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Cheryl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got my start in the construction world in South Florida. After working in the corporate world for many years; which required a lot of travel, with three small children and a husband at home, I decided that I wanted to be home more. Tom, my amazing ex-husband, and I opened our own construction company in 2004. Our Business was going well, however; my health took a turn for the worse…and then the unthinkable happened.
I was first diagnosed with cancer in April of 1997. Being a young mom and wife, I knew it was something that I had to fight not only for me but for my family as well. I underwent rounds of both Chemo and Radiation only to find out that the cancer came back and was attacking other parts of my body which required me to be hospitalized for over 300 days per year for three consecutive years. It even got to the point that they put me on hospice. The doctors called in my family and proceeded to make my funeral arrangements.
That day sometimes very powerful happened. Tommy, my son, who was 14 at the time; laid down beside me and said, “Momma, you need to fight one more time….. I can’t live here without you” I said, “ok buddy, I fight one more time.” He died three months later…….. unexpectedly at the young age of 14. Any parent that has lost a child understands that it changes the person you are.
My amazing husband and I divorced after 23 years of marriage. I was not only broken but lost as well. I was a wife and mother longer than I had been alive and now all of that was gone. What do I do? How do I live?
I decided to move to Georgia from Cooper City Florida to be closer to the family. To be 100% honest I needed a new start!!! Wow did I get it!!!
After moving to Georgia just short five years ago; I have made it my business to not only REBUILD myself….. but I was going to come back stronger than ever!!!
I got my start at Mallory and Evans Service just two short years ago as an Account Manager. Mallory and Evans Service has forged me the opportunity not only to become a leader in the Mechanical Engineering Field but also to be a leader in the community. Empowering youngsters and women is something that I am extremely passionate about. I have made it my business to educate the young that you can make a very good living in the mechanical engineering field. There are so many youngsters that need some direction. College may not be for them. I am actually starting a program with Gwinnett Tech that addresses this issue. 🙂
I am also very involved with two Shelters. We are getting ready to remodel a playground for the domestic violence safe house. Both of these shelters are near and dear to my heart.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life has thrown me many curve balls. From losing a child unexpectedly in 2011 to battling cancer a number of times which as required many hospital stays all over the USA. Latest one (3 weeks ago). Lost my marriage to my best friend after 23 years, moved to literally get a new start in life.
I looked at myself on October 23, 2013, in the mirror and said….”Girl, its time to end this pity-party and it’s time to get your shit together!” That’s exactly what I did. I decided that from that day forward My Happiness was MY CHOICE… I was in control of my life and if I wanted it to be as successful as it was in my previous career, then I had to get it together. That’s exactly what I did.
I REFUSED to let life get me down. I have two daughters that are 27 and 26 that are watching me. I need them to know that Life is going to throw you curveballs….. stand tall in the batter’s box and hit it out of the park.
Mallory and Evans Service – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mallory and Evans Service has been in business for over 60 years serving Metro Atlanta and all of the surrounding areas. We specialize in large HVAC equipment. Mallory and Evans pride ourselves in becoming true “trade-partners” in the industry. We pride ourselves in coming up with holistic solutions to every job. It is our goal that we add value to every job.
I am most proud of our work family. We truly have a family mentally. We strive to be the best and it truly shows.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One of the proudest moments being recognized for being one of Atlanta’s 50 most influential women. This award is given on both community service and working relationships.
Contact Info:
- Address: 646- A Kentucky Street
Scottdale, Georgia 30079 - Phone: 404-297-1007
- Email: cfaulkner@malloryevansservice.com
Image Credit:
Cheryl
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