Ponshewaing's favorite son is now one of ours.

We’re not sure why this native of a quaint Michigan hamlet is such a pleasing addition to Maestro. Maybe it’s Norm’s soothing demeanor. Perhaps his disdain for bad coffee. Or it might have something to do with the fact that he journals daily with a fountain pen, which we find a delightful and surprising touch of class.

Norm came to Kalamazoo in 1989 to study computer science and mathematics at Western Michigan University. Somewhere between then and now, he met his wife Amy, had a family (two kids at this point) and continued his pursuit of a career in software development. Norm has also worked with automotive test equipment and for a variety of companies developing websites—from simple e-commerce apps to large-scale student information systems. Today, Norm enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He also volunteers his time as a darkroom technician for the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, enjoys film photography and owns several mechanical film cameras.

Norm finds the playful start-up mentality of Maestro a refreshing change from his six-year stint with a less-enlightened employer. “I think if I were to come to work at Maestro wearing a tie, I would be sent home and told I could not set foot back in the office dressed in a tie again.” Naughty Norm.

Naturally Norm

• Studied ballroom dancing with his wife for four years.
• Has an uncle who is a former spy.
• Constantly striving to make the perfect Martini.

One of Norm’s favorite songs: “Burma Shave” by Tom Waits