Robert "Bobby" Cashion and 2024 Board Chair Jeff Tarte presented Mike Cook from Cavin Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, with the Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year, at the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting held at The Peninsula Club on February 20th. Assisting in the presentation was Cook's longtime friend Randy Marion - a past recipient and the 2006 Board Chair of the Chamber.

Cashion stated: 

The story of our 2024 Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year reads like a scene straight out of It’s a Wonderful Life—a man whose impact on our community is measured not just in business success, but in the lives he has touched along the way. In many ways, Mike reminds me of my father, a man who believed in the power of relationships and the importance of investing in his community.

Like my father, Mike has always lived by the philosophy of T3—giving of his time, talent, and treasure. By focusing on these three principles, he has created limitless opportunities, not just for himself but for those around him. Mike himself acknowledges that his journey has been shaped by the men and women who mentored him, and in turn, he has made it his mission to pay that generosity forward.

Mike’s business career began at the young age of 14 in downtown Mooresville, where he worked three jobs—shining shoes at Bostian Barber Shop, handling cleaning and maintenance duties at WH Leonard Jewelers, and serving concessions at the State Theater. At 17, he took a job at Cavin Funeral Home on Main Street, an opportunity that would change the course of his life. Under the guidance of the Cavin family, Mike received invaluable mentorship that laid the foundation for his future in the funeral industry.

In 1990, he took a bold step and purchased the funeral home with his partner, James Houston, and together they established Mooresville Monument Company. Just five years later, in 1995, he bought out his partner and opened the first crematory in the area. Always ahead of the curve, Mike expanded his vision in 2008 by founding Pet Pilgrimage, which now serves families in both Mooresville and Denver, ensuring that beloved pets receive the same dignity and care.

His leadership and dedication to his profession has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he was honored with the prestigious National Funeral Home Director Award, a testament to his excellence and commitment to service.

Beyond his business success, Mike is a pillar of the community, serving on countless boards and organizations. But among all his contributions, perhaps none is closer to his heart than his work with the Shriners. His dedication to their mission speaks volumes about the depth of his character and his unwavering commitment to giving back.

I could stand here and read off a long list of Mike’s accolades and achievements, but his true impact is best understood through the stories of those who have been touched by his generosity, kindness, and leadership. And perhaps no one understands this better than his great friend, Randy Marion.

Marion then shared both men started their business at the same time in downtown Mooresville in 1990. After brief remarks he turned the podium over to Mike Cook who shared, "I would like to say that I am honored and humbled to be recognized as The Lake Norman Chamber Business Person of the Year. I recall when John Cherry approached us about joining when the chamber was formed in 1987. My motto and what I want placed on my grave marker is: Life is about relationships. It is full of Opportunities and Possibilities.” Mike Cook added, “Also having been a member of Rotary for almost 50 years I have endeavored to practice the principles of Rotary’s “Four Way Test” in my personal and business life: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Lastly, Will it be Beneficial to all concerned? The one thing I know for sure is that you don't do it by yourself - life and business require Teamwork!”

Caption: Mike Cook from Cavin Cook Funeral Home and Crematory receives the Robert T. Cashion Business Person of the Year from Bobby Cashion. Also pictured is Cook’s longtime friend Randy Marion and 2024 Board Chair Jeff Tarte. Photo by John McHugh / Ocaid Photography