Even from a young age Micky Fleming was as independent as they come.
When she was two years old, Fleming and her grandmother would go into Calgary to sell cream. When her grandmother reached out to hold her hand, Fleming would slap it away and say B次元官网网址榤e do.B次元官网网址�
Independence is a trait that has stayed with Fleming, the president and CEO of the Langford-based Cherish Living Group, and has helped her create one of the most successful senior living business models in the country.
The companyB次元官网网址檚 latest project, Cherish at Central Park, which is expected to be competed in November, offers a carefree lifestyle where seniors can enjoy each otherB次元官网网址檚 company. Located at the corner of Jacklin Road and Jenkins Avenue in Langford, it includes a fitness room, workshop, silversmith shop, billiards room, theatre and spa.
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FlemingB次元官网网址檚 success in the industry is a product of her humble upbringing.
A self-professed tomboy, Fleming grew up on her grandparentsB次元官网网址� ranch in southern Alberta, where she learned how to ride horses and shoot cattle. She learned her work ethic and confidence from her grandfather, whom she described as a smart, caring and vivacious man.
After moving around the country to various cities, the family eventually settled in Victoria in the early 1970s. Since graduating from Esquimalt High, sheB次元官网网址檚 had a number of jobs, including working at the Bank of Commerce (where the Bard and Banker currently is), Lumberworld, at a saw mill, and a logging camp.
A certified public accountant since 1989, sheB次元官网网址檚 went on to work at various tech companies, during a time when it was an anomaly to have women in positions of power.
B次元官网网址淚 didnB次元官网网址檛 fit the mold. The societal expectations of what good women should be has never been me. I always knew I would never be someone that was 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I live my life and my life is what I do every day,B次元官网网址� Fleming said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e never accepted the inferior position of ladies in our society. IB次元官网网址檝e always believed you can do anything you put your mind to.B次元官网网址�
Now with Cherish Living Group B次元官网网址� FlemingB次元官网网址檚 seventh business B次元官网网址� sheB次元官网网址檚 made it her personal mission to change how western society views and values seniors.
The companyB次元官网网址檚 first seniors project was the Alexander Mackie retirement community on Station Avenue, which opened in 2006 and currently has a wait list of more than 30 people.
But helping seniors isnB次元官网网址檛 her only passion. Giving back to the West Shore community has also been a priority for Fleming over the years. SheB次元官网网址檚 volunteered thousands of hours as the first female president of the Colwood Rotary Club, chair of the Juan de Fuca water advisory committee to the Capital Regional District, and volunteered with the chamber of commerce, among other things.
B次元官网网址淐oming from a ranch, where if you didnB次元官网网址檛 help your neighbours hay, your hay didnB次元官网网址檛 get put up. You had to work together, thatB次元官网网址檚 the culture that we grew up in,B次元官网网址� said Fleming said, adding she encourages all women to follow their dreams.
