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By JENNIFER COMPSTON-STROUGH
Brady Norris and his crew operate in accordance with a simple motto - " Do it right the first time" - because they like to make sure their work will last.
At just 29 years old, Norris has been the owner of Norris Construction LLC for 10 years. It's a business he started part time after finishing high school at Union Local and while in college. Today, it is a full-time commitment for him and his employees, who work on everything from demolition to new construction, remodeling, kitchens, baths, decks, concrete and more.
Many days begin for them with a trip to Lowe's to pick up materials. Then they get to work building something. But their tasks differ all the time. Sometimes they meet up to load materials. Other days they meet with their trucks at a work site.
Other days, Norris meets with clients, bids on jobs and provides free estimates. And all of that work involves a lot of driving around.
Norris, who is based near Centerville, was born and raised here.
"I stayed because I have family in the area, three sisters and eight nieces and nephews" in addition to his parents, he said. "That's the main reason I stay."
He also has a girlfriend who works with him, and they have three cats.
But family isn't the only thing that keeps the couple in the area. They also receive plenty of demand for their work.
"There's a lot of work here, especially since gas and oil came in," Norris said. "There's a lot of need for the construction industry in this area."
As a youth, Norris was involved with 4-H and other activities in the area. As an adult, he has volunteered his time to help out at the Centerville Community Center, housed inside the former elementary school there. One example of the work he's done there is that he built shelves for the library at the center.
Being involved as a volunteer and with various groups has given him the chance to get acquainted with many local residents - and he sees those people as one of the area's biggest assets.
"There are a lot of friendly, hard-working people in the area," he said. "Since gas and oil came along, it has brought a lot of money into the valley and made things pick up. Now people have got the money to fix their place up. There are a lot of nice houses being bought out here.
"The last three years have been our busiest."
Norris has a simple message for other young people who are just entering the workforce: "Work hard, get an education, learn something new and be a reliable employee."
And if they are interested in working in construction, Norris sees a bright future for the industry.
"Construction seems to be a slowing trade, less people want to do it," he said. "But if you work hard and want to do this type of work, you can have a successful career. A lot of people don't see it as a means to have a successful life, but you can - there's a need, a lot of demand. We can't even do all the work."