Norris Inc. prides itself on hiring the best people around. Norris has a nearly 40-year tradition of building a strong team that cares about country, community and giving of self to help others. In a continuing segment, Norris will take a look at the team members who make the Norris Difference!

Today’s Profile interview is with Installation Manager/Project Manager, Chris Small.

What’s your title and included duties at Norris?
Install Manager/Project Manager: Scheduling installers, Oversee installer activity and quality, Project management

How long have you been at Norris?
Just over 10 years

What different positions have you held at Norris?
Installer, Install Field Supervisor, Install manager/ Project Manager

How has your tenure at Norris prepared you to be successful in life?
Having held different positions has helped in trying to mold a better person through tools that upper management has had. They have made suggestions on several areas in management style etc. and I have listened.

What do you love most about your job?
Being able to use my knowledge and skills to make customers happy.

What frustrates you about your job?
Sometimes it is frustrating to see customers not want to take care of issues with their systems. I try really hard to explain the benefits etc but you can only do that, you cannot force someone to act.

You also are/were a first responder, correct?
I was a volunteer firefighter EMT for the last 33 years and finished my career as an assistant fire chief in Limington in April of last year.

What first responder role(s) have you filled?

I started as a volunteer firefighter, moved to be a firefighter, Became basic EMT certified, Became State of Maine Firefighter 1 certified, Held rank of lieutenant, became municipal firefighter i/II certified, Became fire instructor certified, and held position of Assistant Fire Chief for 7 years.

How did those roles prepare you for your duties at Norris?
This has made me more aware of why testing and inspections is so important as well as the liabilities.

Do you have a family?
I have a wife (Sarah Small)

Children?
A son that is 21 (Micah Small) and a son that is 20 (Jacob Small)

What lessons have you learned through your duties at Norris that you’d like to pass on to others/your children?
Life safety is a vital importance in todays world. It is important when you do a job to do it to the best of your ability so you can be proud of what you have accomplished.

Can you talk about one personal goal you have for 2019?

Take more time for myself and relax. I have always been an on the go kind of guy who does not like to sit still.

Can you talk about one professional goal you have for 2019?
Become a better manager. It is always an uphill climb to do better and to be able to critique one’s own faults. I always strive for perfection and know I have a ways to go in this field.

Anything else I haven’t asked about that people should know?

I also have a grandson that is 1y 3m (Brayden)