Executive Assistant of the Week: Nashville

September Norman
Executive Assistant to CEO
SERVPRO INDUSTRIES, INC

September works as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of Servpro Industries, a position she has held for over four years. SERVPRO’s corporate office is located in Gallatin, TN, and with approximately 450 employees, supports 1,800 franchises across the United States and Canada.  SERVPRO® Franchisees provide fire, water, and restoration services to individuals and businesses who have suffered a loss to their property.

From sales and marketing, to owning and running a business, she has been afforded the opportunity to wear many hats, which set her up perfectly for her role as an Executive Assistant.  September is a very energetic individual and the chance to perform so many different tasks in the course of a week fits her to a tee.

September’s diverse background is why she was hired as the CEO’s assistant.  She has of Bachelor of Science in Business and considers herself a continuous learner.  Along with the daily tasks of calendar management, travel arrangements, and fielding phone calls – her other tasks include budgeting, strategic planning, merit and compensation, and employee relations.

September lives in Hendersonville, TN, a suburb of Nashville, with her husband.  She currently has a son in college who is following in her footsteps working to earn a business degree.  In her spare time September likes to read, play golf, and hike.

September will be one of the distinguished contributors at the ELS Forum: Nashville on September 11-12, 2019

Tell us about a career accomplishment of which you’re particularly proud?

I started with SERVPRO® in November 2014 and within two weeks our Merit/Compensation Manager resigned.  At that time the company’s merit increases occurred on January 1. There was no one else to fill the role so I stepped in, and between the CEO and myself, with lots of long nights, all compensation increases took place for all individuals at corporate.  Word spread quickly that I was instrumental part in completing employees raises and I was voted the Top Employee in the company after only being there a month.

Are there any blogs, books, articles, or online forums you recommend reading?

I read a book called Jewel in the Leader’s Crown by Ruth Mead.  The author was an EA in the United Kingdom, and while they have different methodology, the book is filled with great inspiration, new ideas, and insights to help those in the EA role shine.

Tell us about a mentor who changed your professional life. What was it about this individual that left such a lasting impression?

I would say my boss, the CEO, has made a lasting impression on me and I consider her my mentor.  The CEO is female and is a great role model. She works tirelessly for the good of all those around her, is a fabulous writer, accountant, and speaker.  I have learned so much from her that I can carry with me both professionally and personally. I feel very lucky to work with and for her

Is the executive assistant role a long-term profession for you?

If someone had asked me years ago if I saw myself in an EA role, I would have said no.  But now, I cannot imagine doing anything else. I truly love what I do because it provides me the ability to support the leader of a great company and all its employees.  With my desire to learn new things, this job provides me the opportunity to develop many new skills and hone old ones.