Norm Cruthers was hired, turned around and then was unhired at his last place. That revolving door that so many have seen come to be more of the rule than the exception anymore. His gig was in distribution at the Grand Rapids Press. Well, as media was beginning to contract…and still continues to at an even faster pace, distribution was clearly on the downswing, so not much need for a department anymore…..one door closes, another one opens. What a joy to walk through that door and find nothing but joy, colors and delights.
Entering the world of indulgence may have been on Norm’s mind….down the road a ways, like maybe as a retirement job, but it was sped up a little when that last hammer fell in the “working world”. From opening his first business at 19, a camera shop over on the east side of the state and ending up in distribution of a major newspaper, Norm had an awful lot of generation know how to pass along and to retire and not spread that around would have been quite a loss. However, the spreading around of the wisdom came a little earlier at the behest of family and friends who wanted Norm to “just take a look” at the first store, if Fruitport. A maybe turned into a “ok, let’s do it” and so was born….Norm’s Ice Cream.
What’s in an ice cream shop? Well, that’s kind of obvious. However, what’s in Norm’s Ice Cream shops seems to be the key to the success. Anyone can sell ice cream. Norm’s is doing so much more. Not only is it premium Hudsonville Ice Cream, it’s what’s going into every serving that’s making the difference. It’s the company culture. It’s the foundation built on customer service, dedication to the experience on top of the product and the vision to grow in a way that’s sensible, community oriented and focused on those who believe in the mission. Norm passing along all of these skills to the younger folks who are working their summers and evenings to helpout, it’s the best fringe benefit there can be offered, and one that will carry over in to their working lives…..everywhere they go.
As for those ice cream shops. Ya…no-one going to argue about a 7 scoop 12 inch tall cone. How about a bowl filled with waffle cone chips, soft serve and toppings that you can dip? Ice cream nachos! The creations are big and bold, eye catching and mouth watering. There was a thought about selling a cone like that and the bottom dropping out on sales because people would share….however, there are not many who share ice cream in my world. It was probably a well heeded thought…but when it comes to ice cream, more=better. It’s a destination treat and not there to take the place of a meal.
You’ll find Norm’s in it’s original location if Fruitport. On the Causeway in North Muskegon and a couple in Grand Haven. Take the trip where ever you are and come see for yourself. The North Muskegon location recently added the Putters Creek mini golf and go cart park to the family, so there’s a lot to do there…and MUCH more to come as well. Stay tuned.
Our thanks to Norm for taking a few minutes on a really busy day to get us caught up on how it all came to be. Mint Chocolate Chip please!
Visit Norm’s North Muskegon on Facebook, CLICK HERE
