The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions is pleased to honor alumna and business owner Megan Molyneux who has been named to the University of Florida’s Gator100 for 2024. The awards program recognizes the world’s fastest-growing Gator-owned businesses.
By Anne Riker Garlington
Photo credit: Matt Pendleton for UF Alumni Association
Molyneux, a bachelor’s in health science ’04 and master’s in occupational therapy ’05 graduate, is the president of Florida Contract Automated Shading, or FCAS, a window treatment subcontractor with specialization in challenging motorization applications.
This is the third time Molyneux has been named to the Gator100 list. She was previously honored in 2020 and 2021.
Following her graduation from UF, Molyneux pursued a career as an occupational therapist at UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital. However, driven by her commitment to family and a desire for work-life balance, she transitioned to join the family business.
Molyneux attributes her accomplishments in business to the skills and training she acquired during her time in the UF occupational therapy program and her experiences as a Gator soccer player from 2000-2004 under Coach Becky Burleigh.
In a recent interview, Molyneux was asked to share her business insights.
Question: What is it like working in an industry where there are so few women?
Answer: I don’t even look at it like that and feel we are all created equal in own special and unique characteristics and qualities. It is more about what you put into your business, your personal drive, work ethic and passion. Regardless of if I were a woman or a man, I think I would have the same outcome.
My husband and business partner, Cory Molyneux, and I work well together, and both agree we always do what is right, provide excellent customer service and take care of our people. That is the goal and motto we live by. Your reputation in business goes a long way.
Q: Can you describe Florida Contract Automated Shading and what you are working on?
A: My role as the president of FCAS is to engage with contractors, owners and architects and provide them with a quality product that fits their needs. Most of what we do is new construction throughout the entire state of Florida. We just finished a six-story orthopedic hospital in downtown Orlando; it was great to collaborate with our colleagues on the job to make the patient rooms “smart.” We were able to integrate our motorized roller shades in a building automation system, while also allowing the patient to control the shades from the bedside or allow the nurse to control the shades from a button upon entering the room.
It is always a privilege when we get to work with our own Gator Nation, which we have done for decades. This past year, we finished thousands of manual and motorization shades at the James W. “Bill” Heavener Football Training Center and the new innovative 1,400-bed residential complex at the University of Florida.
FCAS also just completed the Jacksonville Jaguars training facility, a 127,000 square foot building, which encompass an indoor practice field, two outdoor natural grass fields, new coaches’ offices, equipment room, weight training and medical facilities.
It is a unique situation that I am now behind the scenes with new construction of health care and sports complexes, which both represent such a pivotal time in my life.
Q: What did you enjoy about playing soccer while at UF?
A: It was an honor and an amazing legacy to continue to carry on, specifically in my business; just to be able to say I’m a Gator athlete. It put me at a standard, which even to this day, I can see how it affects my work relationships.
Being able to say that I was an athlete at a prestigious, Division 1 school allows me to have characteristics that someone knows immediately I will obtain. Along with commitment, what I learned was determination, self-motivation, personal drive and to complete my tasks. Being a college athlete puts to test, at the greatest, your ability to multitask and prioritize. This is something I deal with daily, while running this company from my home office, as well as being a mom of three young boys.
I currently am active with the current Gator women’s soccer team, under head coach Samantha Bohon, while mentoring these girls to their next stage of their life.
Q: Who were the UF faculty members who influenced you most?
A: Becky Piazza, O.T.D, M.S., ORT/L, now a clinical assistant professor in the department of occupational therapy, and Sheetal Obal, formally a manager and clinical coordinator at UF Health Shands Rehab Hospital.
Both Piazza and Obal were amazing leaders and paved the path for the occupational therapists in the department, with a strong moral compass of honesty, respect and empathy.
Piazza is so empathetic and was emotionally in touch with her employees. She taught me the importance of doing what is right, and truly caring for our patients. She was a great advocate for patients and making sure they get what they needed. I remember receiving handwritten notes in my mailbox at home with words of affirmation. She is the best person I’ve ever met in my life; she is a walking angel.
Obal was a great example of a true leader. She did not lead with an ego, but instead with a great balance of compassion, but also let’s get it done. Even though she was our leader, she had time to listen to us and see what we needed. She truly put the needs of her employees first.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I love to get up early in the morning and get a lot done. I allow myself at least an hour before the rest of the house wakes up. I would say I am driven and operate well with chaos. My goal for myself is to slow down and smell the roses a little.
I love that life can bring you twists and things you don’t expect. I never would have thought I would hand over my stethoscope and my scrubs for a construction hard hat. But I’m always up for a challenge and growth.