CEO Today USA Awards

I had a normal childhood like anyone else I guess. We were a low income family, went to church and had chores. My parents did a good job of raising us kids with mannners and respect for all. Then something happened, I was inappropiately touched as a child. It makes you feel like your different from anyone else; like you don’t belong. I blocked out a lot after that; I think that was the best way to cope. I didn’t feel comfortable talking with anyone about it with anyone. I didn’t know at the time but inside I knew everything would turn out the way it’s supposed to. I went through school doing well and graduated when I was 16. I had alot of fun in high school; going to parties and hanging out with great friends. I had found out the love of my life at the time was killed in an accident. I lost sight of all my friends and went into a spiral. After that instead of going into the Coast Guard as planned I took a different path...drugs. I went from friends’ house to house and even living in a car until one day I got busted and put in jail. It was terrifying to say the least. I cried myself to sleep the first night there. They make you feel degraded and ashamed and I was. You see a whole different world of people. Being in there changed my life. I didn’t ever want to go back. I got out and was put on probation and still did bad things. The place I was living at the time wasn’t any good either. I was molested and threatened with my life if I told anyone. I coped with the way I knew how and blocked everything out. I didn’t let any of the bad situations break me. Everything had happened for a reason. It was then I met the the man I would marry, John. We had fun for awhile. I tested dirty a few times and that was my last chance. I was sentenced to 90 days in jail, it felt like a lifetime. It was for the good because I found out I was pregnant with my son...who was “Just N Time”. From that moment on I never touched that bad stuff again. We both got sober and I gave birth to beautiful baby boy...who we named Justin; and my step-son came to live with us as well. I knew everything was falling into place just like it should. I had a purpose to stay alive and well. We got married a few years later and I have been happy ever since. This year we will celebrate 16 wonderful years together. When you find the right one, everything just clicks. Each day just got better and better as we went along. Taking care of a newborn, a husband and a step-son, who I called my own as well, wasn’t easy at the time. I had to learn real quick how to do it all and even then it took some time. At the time cooking wasn’t my thing. Eventually it became better and second nature. I also realized I loved to bake. It makes me feel really good to see the look on peoples faces once they take a bite of what I have made. Nobody gives you instructions on how to do it. You just go with what you feel is right. It’s also a little give and take. I did the best that I could with what I was given and I think everyone turned out well. I love all of my boys the same even though they can be a pain in the but sometimes. I have another stepson as well who has a family all of his own. Having grandkids is a blessing in itself let alone a family who loves you and you love them with all of your heart. Once he was in school it was time to find work so I came back to a place where I worked for a few months during summer back in high school, American Data Plates, Inc. I started from the bottom cleaning and working in the back. I eventually worked my way up to the front office and then manager. We have been in the business of making data plates for Aerospace for more than 20 years. I have been working here for about 7 years now I enjoy every minute of it. I have learned alot about running a business from my previous boss, which I am very grateful for. To be a business owner was a little scary in the beginning, so I am very glad to have my business partner to run it with me. It wouldn’t be the same without him. I had to push aside those feelings and just go for it. It’s not about what other people think of you; it’s about pushing yourself to be the best that you can be and enjoy life, everyone deserves to be happy. I have realized through all of my life I knew things would be alright because I had FAITH. I have been through alot of bad things but what matters most is not letting it take over you. You can’t judge people on their past. There have been alot of times where I did’t feel like I belonged but now after everything that I have went through I know I belong right here. I am very blessed with everyone and everything I have in life. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Tammy Frazier CEO American Data Plates 42 CEO TODAY USA AWARDS 2020 www.americandataplates.com