From Carpentry to Project Management: Meet Chris Norton

Beginnings in Carpentry

Chris began working in carpentry almost 30 years ago in Montana, and spent much of his early career developing a passion for building and excellence in his work. In 2020, Chris began looking for a new job as a carpenter. After interviewing with firms that lacked what he was looking for, Chris found TreHus. Interviewing with Dave and Brit Amundson and learning about TreHus’ mission and core values proved to Chris that TreHus was the company he had been searching for. Although 2020 was a difficult year to begin a new job, Chris shared how impressed he was with the amount of effort and care TreHus took to keep employees working during the height of the pandemic; “it showed me just how much TreHus takes care of their employees,” says Chris.

From Carpenter to Project Manager

An exceptional carpenter with a strong skillset, Chris was quickly given the opportunity to move into a project manager role. As a PM, Chris’s favorite part of his job is “being able to see a project from the beginning stages all the way to the end; seeing the transformation from a design concept to reality,” something he never got to see during his time as a carpenter. One unique skill Chris brings to the team is his experience in building large, new-construction custom homes, which is only a fraction of the knowledge and experience in carpentry that led him to become a truly great project manager.  

Featured Projects

As a carpenter, one project that stuck out to Chris was the Stillwater Sanctuary, a stunning French cottage-inspired home. As a project manager, the project Chris is most proud of is Artistic Kenwood Suite, a bold, contemporary primary suite remodel. Chris is inspired by the work ethic instilled in him at a young age by his parents and grandparents: “have a good work ethic, always strive, and take pride and succeed in all that you do.” Chris’s advice to aspiring PMs is to “take it one day at a time, things always work out one way or another.”

Life Outside of TreHus

Outside of work, Chris loves to spend time with family and get outside! Some of Chris’s favorite outdoor hobbies are camping, hunting, fishing, and most recently riding his motorcycle. A surprising fact about Chris is that he is a part-time EMT/Firefighter for the Spring Lake Park, Blaine, and Mounds View Fire Department. If Chris could have dinner with a historical figure, he would choose Theodore Roosevelt, former president and pioneer in conservation and preservation.