This week, we’re chatting with George Normandin! You’re sure to recognize his friendly smile, whether you’ve seen him around the city conducting business as the founder of Normandin Marketing, or heard him rocking with The East End Boys downtown. Read on to learn more about his deep GF roots, his downtown renovations, his awesome idea for something new on Exchange Street, and more!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi, I’m George! My full name is George Buchanan Normandin III. My name sounds pretty regal but unfortunately, I’m not royalty. My loved ones call me “Georgie” and even at 38 years of age, I’m yet to escape the nursery rhyme that pairs with the nickname! Anyway, I was born at Glens Falls Hospital. I currently live in Queensbury with my lovely wife, Kate; our three children, Annie (9), Lucy (7) and Grant (3); and a fast-growing silver lab puppy named Gus (8 Mos). In 2011, I founded Normandin Marketing to apply my years of holistic business and marketing expertise to support the growth of both for-profit and nonprofit businesses throughout our community. I also co-founded The East End Boys™, a songwriting duo with my lifelong friend, Ted Coleman. When not working on entrepreneurial or philanthropic efforts, I enjoy time with my family and friends, doing just about anything together. I’m into a lot of things - music, athletics, art, etc. I’ve always been a curious doer on the go. It’s led to some incredible relationships along the way. Life is precious and each day I do my best to learn more, do more for others, and make the most of it.
On Life in Glens Falls
My father was an “East Ender.” His side of the family grew up on Orchard Street. I guess you can say that the St. Mary’s “Kerry Blue-Blood” runs deep. My grandfather’s memorial trophy case still remains outside of the gymnasium. Many don’t know this but I actually grew up in Ft. Edward and commuted to St. Mary’s school in Glens Falls, K-5. My late cousin, Tom “TC” Collins was my biggest mentor growing up. He was also a top alpine ski racer nationally. During a family meeting in which my father asked me if I was serious about getting into ski racing like my cousin, we decided to move to Glens Falls to begin my middle school years. My childhood was awesome. Today, it’s like I have two entire families - my Ft. Edward family and my Glens Falls family. I’m a very lucky guy. Ultimately, it was those close knit relationships with family and friends that brought my wife and I back here permanently in 2009.
In 2009, we purchased our first home from the Gallucci family in the Broadacres neighborhood. You may have seen the late John Gallucci's watercolor paintings from the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. He was also the former art teacher at Glens Falls. We’re still here fixing our house up a bit more each year but couldn’t be happier at our location. Is anyone ever really done with their home anyway?! The house was built in the late 50’s. It suits us well and our neighbors are great.
In 2014, we purchased the former Loomis & Lapann Insurance building at 18 Exchange Street in the central business district of downtown Glens Falls. I had a vision to completely restore the building from the ground floor, up. From uncovering the wood floors and coffered ceilings downstairs; to restoring the tin ceilings upstairs; the design came out even better than I imagined and I’m very proud of the result.
In the beginning, our good friend Tim Reed had his antique shop downstairs. When Tim decided to work out of his barn at his home, I immediately thought of Happy Jacks in Bolton Landing. My family loves that store and I knew the owners also had the candy shop up there. So, I called Jeff Strief on a whim one day to gauge his interest in bringing some of their neat offerings to Glens Falls. When Jeff and I met to chat ideas, I was blown away how creative and fun he was. Jeff’s partner in the stores, Nikki Ogden and I went to college together, so we all hit it off immediately. Shortly thereafter, as Jeff put it, “Happy Jack’s tough sister, was about to about to hit the city!” Rude Betty was born and it was the perfect retail match for downtown. They are doing well here. During the restoration process, it was a friendly patron at Rude Betty who educated me that our building is one of the oldest in Glens Falls. It’s built like a tank, with the fleur-de-lis styled tin going down through the walls. The craftsmanship in these old buildings is really something.
Some Glens Falls Favorites
My favorite thing about the Glens Falls area is most certainly the people. You can travel far and wide but you’ll never find more caring, passionate human beings. In addition to the genuine people here, you’ll find so many gems in the way of delicious food, shops, parks, art, and unique events.
We’re also very close to beautiful Lake George and the Adirondack Park. You really don’t have to go far in any one direction to discover something new. Even after 38 years here, I’m still learning more about our history and discovering new ground. When we do feel like getting away, we’re just three hours from Montreal, Boston or New York City and less than an hour to Albany airport, to essentially get to anywhere else we wish to go in the world. Not too shabby!
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My perfect day is breakfast at Spektor or Poopies; onto crushing out my schedule for the day; lunch at the Bullpen with a client or colleague; back to work until 4:30pm; a late afternoon cold beer with friends at Raul’s; a boat ride with my family and quick dip in Lake George; and then back to GF for dinner at Craft On 9.
On the Past
There are so many amazing memories I have from growing up here. Recently, I went down Horicon Avenue and there was a large group of kids playing football in their front yard. Their bikes were all parked off to the side, scattered everywhere. It instantly brought me back to my childhood. Thinking about it now gives me all the feels. My life is packed with memories like this shared with family and friends. I’m truly blessed.
On the Future
A few years back, I had a conversation with my neighbors about reimagining Exchange Street. Right now, I’m beginning discussions regarding a private-public partnership to see that vision through: New sidewalks, street lamps, flowers, green grass, and seating areas or picnic tables for young families and their pets to gather either before or after shopping and dining. Other ideas to explore for the scope of this project could include: A cobblestone or brick street from Glen Street to the end of Exchange Street; a redesigned parking area and one-way traffic flow; and an outdoor stage for live music to entertain guests. Who’s with me? Let’s make it happen!
I’m very grateful for the life that this area has provided my family and look forward to continue to give back in new ways. Glens Falls has some terrific momentum going for it. Everyone who loves this place as much as I do just has to continue putting forth their best ideas and effort, and we’ll reach our full potential here in no time. We’re getting closer! Thank you for including me into this edition of Glens Falls Living, I really appreciate it. I’m a big fan of GFL and look forward to learning about more of the great people and stories that make our area the treasure that it is!
This week’s My Glens Falls was made possible by Morgan & Co. Restaurant.
Nothing says summer in Glens Falls like an evening enjoying a cocktail and a delicious meal on the porch or patio at Morgan and Company! Indoor and outdoor seating is now available, along with takeout options…and bonus - live music on the patio on Tuesday and Thursday as well! Make your reservation by clicking here - cheers!
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