I’m Malory Atkinson, and I’ve always been drawn to the world of building and creating. I co-founded Shear Structural, where I now serve as managing partner, with a passion for blending my love of construction and engineering with the operational side of running a business. My journey to get here was a bit winding but full of experiences that shaped who I am today. After earning a BS in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, I went on to get my MBA in Marketing from Georgia State University, which broadened my view on how to bridge technical knowledge with business strategy.I’ve been fortunate to take part in so many aspects of this industry – from technical work to marketing and even a few tech startup ventures. All of it helps me lead the business operations at Shear with a unique blend of skills that I truly love putting into action every day. Along the way, I’ve also had the honor of serving on the boards of some fantastic organizations, including Georgia Tech’s School of Building Construction, ULI Atlanta, the Druid Hills Child Development Center, and SPIKE Studio, all of which continue to inspire me.One of the most rewarding experiences was graduating from the ULI Atlanta Center for Leadership in 2019, where I connected with other leaders who push the boundaries of what our industry can achieve. Recognition has come in different forms over the years, from being named Atlanta Business Chronicle’s ‘Small Business Person of the Year’ in 2018 to landing spots in the 40 under 40 lists for Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Atlanta Business Chronicle. And for the last few years, Engineering Georgia has included me in their ‘100 Influential Women in Engineering’ list, which always feels like an affirmation of the hard work that’s gone into my journey.Outside of Shear, my husband Cory and I decided to dive into a completely different venture – we co-own The Zero Co., Atlanta's first non-alcoholic bottle shop, in Poncey-Highland, as well as Elemental Spirits Co. and Sidetracked Wine Co. Each one has its own flavor, but all places where we get to connect with our community in a meaningful way. For me, everything comes back to creating spaces and experiences that bring people together, whether it’s through a structural project or sharing a drink with friends.