FROM THE READER
A ROAD LESS TRAVELED— MARK NORTON
My professional career started out not in a factory, but on a stage. After graduating high school in 1974, I went to Gonzaga University in my hometown of Spokane, Washington. I was enrolled in a special honors curriculum for gifted students, where I had good success my first year … and then dropped out to become a professional touring musician( piano and keyboards).
Contact: Mark Norton
Executive Director, Northwest I-90 Manufacturing Alliance
509-954-8781 mnorton @ nimalliance. org https:// nimalliance. org
Touring was an education all in itself— meeting people from all walks of life and different cultures, long hours of traveling, and seeing a good portion of the Western USA over a span of three years. The lifestyle, however, was not conducive to long-term relationships or having a family. I married at 21, lived in Seattle for a year while still performing, and then returned to Spokane to get back to the“ real world.”
Having no industry experience or degree, my first job was on the order desk for an industrial manufacturer and distributor. I do have both an artistic and analytical / math mind— I fell in love with the creative aspect of the work and the challenges of solving complex manufacturing problems in the supply chain. I found I had a talent for connecting with people, helping them to solve problems.
Back then, there was no internet, cell phones, or even fax machines. When I was traveling as a key account rep, finding the nearest phone booth was the only way to communicate real-time with customers or co-workers.
46 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS