Joe Norris – business development manager of Nationwide Flooring
Did you ever get into trouble at school, and if so, why?
No, I was actually well behaved. I was reported once in Year 8 because I’d forgotten a pen a few times and another time because I turned up in trainers instead of shoes.
How do you relax?
By doing absolutely nothing: watching TV and not speaking to anyone. I’m an introvert, but I can still have a good time.
Where do your sport loyalties lie?
I played cricket and rugby at school and I’m a big City fan.
What was your first part-time job?
I briefly worked at a shoe shop for about three months. My first official job was as a barista at Costa in the Trafford Centre.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Everything works out in the end.
What was your first full-time job?
I was an apprentice at an online investment platform called Interactive Investor. I completed a business administration apprenticeship.
What has been your best achievement?
Completing my accountancy course. It was intense and self-paced with pre-recorded videos.
I found it quite difficult at times, so I was proud to get through it.
What car do you drive today and what does it say about you?
I have a Mercedes CLA. It’s a company car, but I had some input. I’m quite aesthetic-focused. A Lamborghini wasn’t on the list, so I had to settle!
How many times a year do you take a holiday and what is your favourite destination?
I recently went to the south of France and Santorini for a June wedding. I love Greece, but one of my favourite places is Las Vegas with friends.
Do you have any hobbies?
I go to the gym regularly as it keeps me focused. I also enjoy socialising with friends and going out for meals. I try to keep a good balance.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
The person who really pulls the strings in US politics, the one behind the president, just to get them to spill the beans.
If you could be anyone (living or dead, fictional or real), who would it be?
Honestly, I’m happy being me. Being a billionaire would be nice, who wouldn’t want that? But I don’t aspire to be anyone else.
What was your worst mistake?
Probably running late for work and crashing my first car into my mum’s car. It was a Volkswagen Polo, a great little car. I learned to drive in a Mini.
If you could have invented any product, what would it have been?
Portable wireless phone chargers; they’ve saved my life on multiple occasions.
Do you have any pets?
Two dogs. Luna, a Yorkiepoo, is our family dog. On Christmas Eve we adopted Victor, an Airedale Terrier,
from Romania.
Which single possession would you rescue if your house caught fire?
My iPhone 16 Pro.
Any regrets?
I try not to have regrets. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by.
I just keep moving forward.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to code. It looks interesting in films,
but I’ve never got around to it.
What did you spend your first pay cheque on?
Stupidly, a £900 Canada Goose coat but I still wear it every winter and it’s lasted me well.
Tell us something about yourself nobody knows.
It actually takes a lot of work to maintain my positive mindset. Things don’t just work out, you have to work on your mindset constantly. Everything comes full circle, but only if you put the effort in.
