Member Spotlight: Norris Brothers

Name  
Maureen McAdams

Job Title  
Treasurer / Owner

Company Name  
Norris Brothers Company 

Tell us about your company.
We are a 155-year-old, family-owned industrial contractor that provides heavy machinery moving and rigging services, machinery maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as a variety of specialized construction capabilities. We primarily service the Greater Cleveland area.

What are the favorite part(s) of your job and why? 
The nature of small business dictates that most of us wear a number of hats. I especially like the variety of new challenges presented each day. Issues might involve human resources, legal, sales, accounting, budgeting, and many others. I also appreciate the close interaction of working with our major service providers. It is quite gratifying to see our small team work well together and get things done effectively. Having communication with the customers as well as our office staff keeps me informed on what’s going on day-to-day. I love sharing our long work history in Cleveland (to anyone who will listen to me). I am sincerely proud of our history and the talent of our employees. Many people might find it unusual that the company is now in its 5th generation of Norris ownership. What I find even more unique is that we have employees who are 4th and 5th generation as well.

What has been the key to your company's success thus far?  
Terrific people working hard and being highly responsive to our customers has resulted in an excellent reputation and enabled us to provide industrial contracting services to companies in Greater Cleveland since 1867. Our employees take much pride in their work.  Our union workers understand the value of their work, and they have great respect for the hazards involved. We provide a service that is hard to find. One of our employees describes our work as “moving the impossible every day.”

What important changes/initiatives are you working on now?  
We have decided the time is right to grow our team and business and are undertaking activities to hire new positions in the field, office, and sales areas.

How has Norris Brothers benefited from its CEA membership?  
Membership in CEA provides an excellent setting to connect with other contractors and union members to learn about, discuss, and understand various issues affecting us. In many cases, we are not competing with other contractors but assist them by providing services to help complete their projects effectively and safely. Both CAA (Contractors Assistance Association) and CEA provide a number of educational activities and industry events that provide growth opportunities, in business and personal development, safety and education.  

What is the importance of mentoring and inclusion? 
Inclusion and diversity in the workplace create the foundation for an adaptable, creative, and talented workforce. Sharing ideas and talents from all employees will only benefit an organization. I believe a mentor is someone with extensive industry knowledge and experience at a company who provides guidance to another person who has had less experience. A high level of trust and ease of communication between the two is necessary to be effective. I have been very fortunate to have had several excellent mentors throughout my career that has spanned several industries and companies. Inclusion also provides great value to both individuals and companies by adding new perspectives and opportunities that may not have otherwise been realized.  

How does your company find and retain talent? 
Our core group of employees have been with us for many years. We greatly appreciate their contributions to the success of the company and seek to treat everyone with respect. The source of new employees has often been through referrals by current employees.  

What would you say to someone at the beginning of their career in construction?  
Focus on being an integral part of a successful team and you will likely achieve great satisfaction throughout your career.