Employee Spotlight: Norma Norton
Norma Norton is an essential part of the team at H & H Mechanical. For a long time, “Norma was the “&” in H & H Mechanical” and has probably spoken to each one of our customers and vendors at least once. She is here rain or shine and genuinely cares for everyone she meets. H & H Mechanical would not be the company it is today without her, and I could not think of anyone better suited to be the subject of our very 1st Employee Spotlight.
How long have you been with the company?
30 Years this July
What does your job entail?
When I first came to H & H Mechanical, it was to answer the phones for 2 weeks and here I am 30 years later! Over the 30 years, I have handled every aspect of the HVAC industry. My customers have always been my biggest concern, as in making sure we can get them on the schedule and then make all of them happy campers. Without excellent customer service, you will not be able to grow your business. Nine years ago, the business had grown so much, that I got an assistant to do the dispatch. All the owners I have worked for the in the 30 years have become family to me. HVAC is a great industry to make a career, it is interesting and challenging, but there will always be a demand for people to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I am always making sure the employees are doing good. I like to recognize each person’s birthday or work anniversary. It is a good feeling to be treated with respect and care.
Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
When I went to work for H & H Mechanical, they were so good to me that I knew this would be a great place to make a career. I could not have asked for a better group of people to work for and with.
What’s the best advice you can give someone who just started their career?
Always ask questions if you don’t know something. It is better to learn all you can, and the sooner, the better. A lot of the things you learn will not come from a book or computer, but from on-the-job training!
What are the toughest challenges you have had at work?
When I started in the work world many years ago, we took dictation with shorthand, and then we used Dictaphones, we also didn’t have computers. I have seen a lot of changes in the world, and it is exciting to see how far the work industry has come with computers and all the extras. Now we can push a button on a computer and the world opens up.
What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
I care about people and I want to help anybody that needs some assistance. I have never been one to think I am better than anybody. Furthermore, I receive more happiness in helping somebody than just looking the other way. If I won the lottery, I would spend it on other people. I am also a “diva” when it comes to fashion, and I am trying to convince my five sisters to have a dress up day! So far, they have all said no.
When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
I have worked for so long, it is just second nature. I know what has to be done, so I just tell myself “Let’s get this done” and I handle it. My husband tells me I am like an army drill sergeant.
Describe some of the challenges you have faced at this company. How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge for me has been learning to throw away the paperwork after scanning it. I have held on to the paperwork like it is a trophy that we can not throw away! I have truly saved a few trees over the last couple of years working here. One other thing that has been a challenge for me has been the commute, I drive 1 hour each way. Anybody that drives on I-20 knows what I am talking about, and working at H & H Mechanical has made the commute worth the hassle. I see people on I-20 that I have been seeing for years. So, if you have been on I-20 in the last 30 years, I have probably seen you in traffic!
Who are some of your biggest inspirations within the company?
I have worked with some great owners and bosses over the years. I feel like we are just one big family that gathers every day and we challenge each other to do the best possible job. I have so much respect and admiration for each one of these people in my life.
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
My self-confidence has grown so much during my 30 years tenue at H & H Mechanical. I have learned not only about HVAC, but life in general. I owe so much for being able to work for people who genuinely care about you as a person and employee.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
“I am a grass cutting fool, it’s my therapy”
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