Meet the Team: Suzanne Hodgkinson, The Heart of Norwegian Log

We're chuffed to bits to shine a light on a truly indispensable member of the Norwegian Log family: Suzanne Hodgkinson. With an impressive seven and a half years under her belt, Suzanne’s journey has been one of remarkable growth and evolution, making her the very glue that holds so much together here.

I managed to grab a few moments with Suzanne amidst the usual lively atmosphere of the Norwegian Log offices, and her passion for her role and the team was immediately apparent.

From ‘After Sales’ to ‘Orchestrator of Everything’

Suzanne's initial role as After Sales Administrator has blossomed in extraordinary ways. Today, her official title is Project Coordinator and Office Manager, but that barely scratches the surface of her contributions. Describing herself as "still Paul Williams' PA," she is the linchpin for the contracts department, the go-to person for customers after handover, and a vital support for the site teams.

"I basically organise the contracts department," Suzanne explains. "I deal with the customers from the point of handover, sorting out their Groundworks, helping with anything that's needed on site. I look after the site teams, making sure their plans are all up to speed and they've got everything they need."

Her responsibilities extend even further, dipping into accounts and generally ensuring the smooth operation of the office. She even recalls a potential job title that perfectly encapsulates her role: "Chaos Organised Administrator or something along those lines. And I was like, yeah, that fits me quite nicely."

A People-Focused Problem Solver

When asked about her approach, Suzanne’s response is clear: "I'd say my career has always been customer service based, organisation based, office management based." Her innate ability to organise others, despite her self-professed struggles with personal organisation, is a testament to her dedication to the team and our clients.

"I do love organising other people," she laughs. "I cannot organise myself for love nor money, but I can organise everybody else down to the nth degree, so I know what other people need." This skill, honed through years of customer-facing roles and managing a busy household, makes her an invaluable asset.

Thriving in Variety and Supporting the Team

For Suzanne, the best part of her job is the sheer variety. "No two days are the same. I cannot come in and say, Right, today's Wednesday. I'm going to be doing X, Y, Z, because there could be a dozen different messages that come in." It’s in the midst of this dynamic environment that she truly excels. "When there's chaos around me, chaos coordinator, then yeah, I thrive."

Her dedication extends deeply to the Norwegian Log team. Suzanne is instrumental in the recruitment process, handling interviews and hiring. She oversees staff inductions, ensuring new team members have everything from uniforms and tools to system access. Her support encompasses everything from managing leave and sickness to being a point of contact for mental well-being.

"I'm involved in all the interviewing and hiring. That's brilliant," she shares. "I look after them [our Norwegian Log craftsmen] from their site induction, making sure they've got the uniform, their tools, allocating them to their teams… I deal with any sickness, any holidays, any matters concerning mental well-being too."

Having recently completed her mental health first aid training, Suzanne is even better equipped to support her colleagues, offering a listening ear and signposting help when needed.

Navigating Change and Building Relationships

Over her seven and a half years, Suzanne has witnessed the natural evolution of Norwegian Log. She highlights the seamless transition when Paul Williams and Ed Taylor took over from Mark Chatfield and Nick Forrester, maintaining the cherished family feel whilst introducing a more goal-oriented approach.

A particularly heartwarming aspect of Suzanne’s time at Norwegian Log is her relationship with her now-husband, John, our Senior Project & Operations Manager. Their friendship blossomed through daily work interactions, eventually leading to a personal connection that was a surprise to Suzanne herself, though perhaps not to everyone else! The supportive environment at Norwegian Log has allowed their relationship to thrive professionally and personally.

Making the Impossible Possible

Reflecting on key moments, Suzanne echoes Keith's sentiment about the overnight crane lift, a complex undertaking involving intricate logistics. "Making sure everyone met at the same time, so we were all singing from the same hymn sheet, was phenomenal. Witnessing the cabin being physically lifted and relocated gave me this feeling that with Norwegian Log, absolutely anything is possible."

For Suzanne, the long-term relationships built with clients are particularly rewarding. "We've got customers that still come back to us for services 15 years later, and the customers that I first dealt with when I started, I'm still talking to them… It is just a long-term relationship. I think that's probably one of the nicest parts of my job, actually."

Suzanne Hodgkinson is more than just our Office Manager and Project Coordinator; she is the heart and soul of Norwegian Log, fostering a supportive environment for the team and ensuring our clients receive exceptional care every step of the way. Her unwavering dedication, capacity for adaptation, and demonstrable care for people contribute to her significant and undeniable value. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on the team.