If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you may have heard of our beloved COO Norman. Norman started with Bramble Berry almost 12 years ago, one of my earliest and best ever hires (ever, hands down, luckiest choice I ever made!). Since then, he’s worked his way from Warehouse Picker/Pourer/Packer to Warehouse Manager and eventually to his current place as our Chief Operations Officer. His flair for organization is key to Bramble Berry’s everyday routine. We all know that left to my own devices, Bramble Berry would have lots of great products, smiling faces and not be organized enough to get our orders out every day. Norm is Bramble Berry’s rock and we are lucky to have him on our team.
After so many years Norman is used to me working out almost daily and constantly passing along the buzz on the latest in healthy foods and/or being fully obnoxious about it. I’ll admit, it’s not a lifestyle for everyone. And certainly not one that I thought Norman would ever buy into. However, one day I saw in his hand what I thought was a Pyrex container full of…leafy greens? Yes! Confirmed Kale sighting! And soon enough, lunches spent at the gym instead of at the desk. Who was this man I thought I knew for so long? Certainly not the same who just finished his first half marathon! He did a full half-halt on some unhealthy eating and sedentary habits to get back to college fighting weight and health. This man is healthy on the inside and on the outside, much to the delight of his loving family at home, as well as his work family of Brambleberrians.
Both he and I love a good block of cheese (drool) and Norm loves to cook as well. I know that he has worked hard to get healthy and stay healthy. Doesn’t he look great? And, the rumor is that he feels great too. It is so exciting to hear him say ‘I’m headed to the gym for lunch!’ every day. The team at Bramble Berry and I couldn’t be prouder of him. And dare I say that he may be inspiring others among our team to jump on the healthy habits bandwagon? Way to be an inspiration, Norm! We’re lucky to have you.
So inspirational! keep it up!
Norm has been just a huge inspiration for everyone at Bramble Berry and we are just so happy for him! 🙂
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Congratulations, Norm! You are an inspiration. And congrats on your first half marathon! I love the finish line photo. 🙂
What a good looking vibrant man. After looks 15 years younger than before.
Wow Norman, you rock. Makes me want to get out there and move more.
Thanks you have motivated me.
GOOD JOB! 🙂 A good motivator for those who need to lose weight &/or get in shape. Now I’m going to get back into exercising 🙂 Thanks for sharing AM!
~Nickie~
A job well done for yourself, and your family. Congratulations….live long and prosper!
Congratulations Norman! I was really inspired by his transformation. I am so happy for you and I think the hard work has really paid off. Best wishes to you and your family.
By the way, I forgot to say that he looks younger now too.
That is nothing short of amazing what Norman did to become more healthful and fit! Thank you for inspiring all of us!
OMG Well done. I was a little addicted to exercise before all my back and neck operations and I am envious of all the exercise going on around me. Maybe it is time for me to get back to it and stop feeling scared of hurting myself. You have inspired me Norman.
Did you have to bring up cheese?!? 0_0
Way to go, Norman!!
Wow! So very inspiring! Way to go Norman!
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I love hearing inspiring stories of people helping themselves. Great job!
What a great inspiration. Thanks for sharing..made my day!!
Way to go Norman! That’s fabulous, if I get back to Bellingham I won’t recognise you – I’ll still want to go lunch though! 🙂
Go Norm!! You look amazing!
Wow!! He looks fantastic.
I need to get motivated.
Thats awesome!! Go Norman! And, now I know who this “Norman” is that has been sending me packages from BB for the past 11yrs 🙂
I think that every buisness that encourages their employees to live a healthy life style should get some kind of bonus. Brambleberry must be one of the best places to work… you are all very top notch in my book. A special high five to you Norman!
Woo Hoo!!! I love seeing people get healthy!! It is wonderful that he had such inspiration in you!! Congrats!!! Keep up the healthy good work!!
That’s fantastic! Go, Norman!
Good for you, Anne-Marie, for being such an inspiration. And congratulations to Norman for making the move to be healthier.
Congrats! That was hard work, and good for him for doing it. I know how much work it was. My husband became a runner about a year and a half ago and lost about 100 pounds through sheer determination. It is not easy, but it’s so worth it to feel better, be healthier, and gain confidence. Thanks for sharing Norm’s story. High five!
Wow what a change! Good for you Norman! And I know how important good employees are for your business. They can really make the difference.