If anyone ever needed just one good reason to get involved in his or her state or national industry associations, the best single reason I can think of is the value of the relationships you develop with others. One of the most valued associations I have enjoyed for my 15 years on the AMOA board has been with Tami Norberg-Paulsen. Last month, Tami sold her interest in their Minnesota business, C&N Sales, to her brother and partner, Tim Norberg. She is leaving the industry to work with her husband in his business.
Tami and I came on the AMOA Board in 1985 and 1986. She was a young woman on a man's board, and it didn't bother her one bit. Some of the men, however, were intimidated I'm sure. Her accomplishments were numerous, culminating with her serving as president of the Minnesota Operators Association, and later as the AMOA president in 1995. She was the second woman president of AMOA (the first was Leoma Ballard from West Virginia).
I was exactly one year behind her in the AMOA officers chairs, watching her and following her orders many times over the years. It wasn't always what you wanted to hear, trust me. But in a very political organization like AMOA, everyone knew where Tami stood. It didn't matter if you were a passing acquaintance or her best friend, Tami always took a position that in her heart was the right one. "Passionate" is a word that comes immediately to mind.
Her contributions on the state level were considerable, and they led to even more significant contributions on the national level. At a time when we were promoting our industry in Washington, and throughout the world, Tami was the perfect AMOA leader for the times.
In a letter to the AMOA board and industry friends, she explains with some remorse that this sale to her brother occurred earlier in her career than she anticipated. But after lots of family discussion, I'm sure, Tami and her family collectively decided this was in everyone's best interest. During a recent conversation with her, after the sale, any regrets she had were gone. Her family has been terrific and never been closer. Tim has been a perfect gentleman throughout what had to be a delicate transaction.
For the future, Tami is excited to work with her husband Brian in his architectural business to assist him with his growing practice. I'm sure Tami's business and marketing expertise, combined with her energy level, will reap many rewards for their new family business.
What impresses me most is that the Norberg and Paulsen family has been a good role model for all of us in family-owned routes. I don't know the exact statistics, but I would guess that every bit of 50% of our industry's businesses have been in the same family for two or more generations. After being in business with his brother, Clayton, Tami's father, Harlow, bought the company from his brother. He developed a first-class route operation and, at an early age, sold the business to his son and daughter. Tami and Tim's efforts together were an exemplary partnership, and profitable. They built up league dominated routes, and acquired many complementary routes along the way.
Today, C&N is a model of a successful dart and pool league route operation. It operates machines in four states of the northern Midwest. For those of us who are fortunate enough to have visited C&N Sales (there are many because their doors are always open to helping others), know this company operates with a level of professionalism that is generally reserved for banks and big corporations.
Tami has been responsible for developing the company's successful retail operation, which sells consumer pool tables, bar stools, and other products for the home. They have multiple stores throughout their operating area. Tami was singularly instrumental in exposing me to the retail industry and that lead to our own Chilton Billiards operation.
As with any family-owned business, it hasn't been easy. I'm sure the Norbergs would attest to that. Tim is to be commended for filling in for Tami as she was travelling for AMOA. It's tough to walk out the door to an AMOA meeting in Maui when there is much to do at home (well, when it's five degrees at home, honestly, it's not THAT tough...). Unfortunately, most meetings were in less glamorous places like Chicago, convention cities, and others. Having someone like Tim at home help makes the travelling possible.
Family-owned businesses are, by nature, some of the most difficult to manage. The Norbergs have always put family before business, and it has paid off for all of them. Tami misses the business already, but not for financial reasons. She will work by choice, not necessity. So she is a very young 40 years old, has already had a full great career in the amusement industry, and is now going to work in another industry where I'm confident her impact and contributions will be just as significant.
Please don't be a stranger, Tami. You're welcome anytime, anywhere, and I know I'm speaking for the entire industry. We wish you all the best in your new endeavor.