Shawn Wallick of Newcomerstown transitions from military life to business owner
NEWCOMERSTOWN – He’s a combat veteran who came home and started his own business.
“As a kid, I was always full of energy and up for adventure,” recalled Shawn Wallick. “When I was about 11, I knew the military is where I wanted to be. So the day I turned 18, I joined the Army Reserves as a psychological operations specialist.
“After about two years and several states later,” he added, “I wanted to go active duty. I joined the infantry in October of 2013 and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas (now Fort Cavazos). I deployed to Afghanistan in June of 2014 to February of 2015. While overseas running combat missions I ended up getting injured but was able to remain in country.
“When I came back Stateside,” he continued, “my physical health was compromised, and I ended up getting medically discharged in April of 2016 and moved back home to Ohio.”
Wallick, 31, grew up in various places but considers Dellroy, Ohio, his hometown. He’s currently living in Newcomerstown and attending Kent State University to study environmental conservation biology.
“My parents and siblings had rental properties,” he said, “so I followed in their footsteps and purchased several of my own. I quickly gained a vast knowledge of home maintenance from my family to save on repair costs. That led to a new world being available to me.”
He started Wallick Handyman LLC in July.
“I do many tasks,” he explained, “from drywall work to plumbing and anything that allows me to continue to learn while helping people.
“Honestly, at first,” he added, “I missed the Army. But it grew on me, and I started to enjoy doing the work as it was something to be proud of.”
His wife, Sarah Wallick, watched the transformation.
“I love watching my husband follow his dreams to start his own business in the community I’ve grown up in,” said Sarah. “I think Shawn has a lot to offer in terms of skills and knowledge. I’m very proud of him for following his passion.”
“I continue to expand and learn anything I can,” Shawn responded. “I love learning.
“There will always be a part of me that yearns to be in the Army,” he summed. “But that life is over, and I continue on and find new things to live for. I have my wife and my two children and I’m happy for what life has given me.”
For more information about Wallick Handyman LLC, call 479-249-4851 or look on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Shawn Wallick transitions from military life to business owner
