ABOUT 3PF
Welcome to our family, and our farm
Who We Are
Julie Zajac (Founder, Chief Executive Officer) grew up on the farm that provides the base of operation for 3 Pillarz Farm (3PF). The values of hard work, perseverance, and life-long learning, coupled with the experiences of her 30+-year career in healthcare (physical therapist) and public health (program analyst) underpin 3PF’s three-pronged mission of cultivating the next generation of farmers, reconnecting people to their food sources, and enhancing the quality of life in Northwest PA.
As a champion for agriculture’s role in community health and well-being, she draws from her work in promoting evidence-based policies and practices to improve nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and rural health in general.
Julie knows the value of farming and agriculture as a way of life, and wants to share the family farm to help new farmers realize their goals for themselves and their families. She aims to use her expertise in policy, partnerships, and program evaluation to grow 3PF into an organization that will strengthen the resilience of Northwest Pennsylvania’s food system and enhance economic opportunity, health, and well-being.
Jackie Faulk (Chief Operating Officer) retired from the United States Air Force in 2019 as a Chief Master Sergeant and decorated combat veteran. She brings unique perspectives to 3PF’s Veteran Farmer program through her experience in Air Force leadership, organization, and management. As a security professional, she has managed risks to protect national defense assets, property, and equipment valued over $3 billion. As Chief, Jackie’s dedication, hard-work, and trustworthiness were paramount to developing future leaders and inspiring organizational growth.
Jackie’s love of nature, animals and mentoring of young Airmen are the perfect blend for her role as Chief Operating Officer for 3PF’s Veteran Farmer Program. She can help veterans navigate the transition to civilian life and mentor them as they make decisions in determining their path.
Our History
Julie’s grandfather, Alex Sadowski, emigrated from Austria to the U.S. at the age of 13 in 1908. He made his way learning different trades, ultimately ended up in St. Paul, MN. Alex’s Aunt Mary and Uncle Frank Sadowski told him of a beautiful farm in Pine Valley, PA, where they were living. Alex bought the Nichols farm in 1929 and moved his wife, Lillian, and two sons, Thomas and Robert from Minneapolis, MN to Pine Valley to establish roots and grow their family. There, they milked a small herd of Holsteins and raised their own vegetables.
MaryJane was the first girl born to Alex and Lillian and was the first child actually delivered on the farm. She grew up working alongside her parents and siblings, and when the farm adjacent to the Sadowski farm came up for sale in 1955, she and her husband, John (also from a farming family) bought it to begin dairy farming and raise their own family. They had four children, John (Edward), Steve, Diane, and Julie.
John Edward Zajac was the first born and grew up work alongside his parents on the farm at an early age, even driving tractor and truck at the age of 7. Upon graduating from high school, he became a full-time farmer with his father and mother. John ran the dairy until he suffered a severe stroke and passed away in 2016. The remaining Zajac siblings now own the former dairy, and aim to revitalize the farm to reconnect families with food and work with new farmers to reimagine farming and agriculture in Northwest PA.
