Cherri began her career as a nurse, but soon found that she was interested in business. She soon landed a job with a local construction company as a receptionist in the early 1980s. She was quickly promoted to purchasing, and then accounting, and eventually became the regional sales manager.

With little opportunity to grow, she moved on to another local firm specializing in Wells and then onto another large plumbing firm in Petaluma. Her expertise helped the firm navigate tough times and was instrumental in positioning the business for acquisition in 2003.

Cherri met her husband, Duane, a professional contracter/plumber and together Custom Plumbing was formed.