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In our StartYourCareer@NORMA series, former trainees, working students and interns all talk about how they got their career start at NORMA Group and the changes that come with being offered a permanent position.
In the interview, Lee Teasley talks about his career at NORMA Group, which began with an internship and, through international projects, eventually landed him a management role. He discusses his experience in the Engineering Rotational Development Program, his Bubble Assignment in Germany and his motivation for being part of the company for ten years.
Lee, you’ve been with NORMA Group for ten years now. How has your career developed?
I started at NORMA Group as an intern. On my very first day, my boss put a clamp in front of me and asked me to figure out what was wrong with it. I analyzed it for hours and came up with a list of possible issues. When I asked if I was on the right track, all he said was “I don’t know. You tell me.”
There were two lessons that I took from that episode: Firstly, there is rarely only one correct answer when you are outside the classroom.
“It is the engineer’s job to evaluate all the options and find the best solution for the problem at hand.”
And secondly, the fact that engineering is not about identifying problems, it’s about finding solutions.
Since then, I have worked in a number of different areas – process, quality and product development – for both our fasten and fluid product lines. I was able to work on global initiatives, manage market launches of our products and take on international projects. This experience ultimately led to me becoming a global product expert and gave me management responsibility, for example as SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Center of Competence Manager and mentor in the Engineering Rotational Development Program.
Can you tell us a little about the Engineering Rotation Development Program?
The program offers new engineers at NORMA Group a solid foundation for their careers. Over a period of two years, it comprises a series of four practical stations, each lasting six months, in our test laboratories, product development, production and quality assurance.
Participants take on real projects, receive ongoing mentoring and work with the various teams in the region. As a team leader, I help to define development goals, accompany participants and support them along their career path at NORMA Group.
In what way have your tasks evolved over the years?
In the beginning, I mainly took on individual tasks and supported my colleagues. Today, in the Center of Competence, our focus is on bringing experts from around the world together and promoting open exchange.
It’s no longer about simply finding a local solution, it is my job to ensure that all teams worldwide deliver consistent, high-quality results – based on design guidelines, best practices and lessons learned.
A few years ago, you were in Maintal and Gerbershausen for a Bubble Assignment. How did the assignment come about and what did you do there?
The Bubble Assignment was the last step in the rotation program and lasted three months – from October to December 2018. I was working as a process engineer in Germany at the time, cooperating with local teams to conduct timing studies, optimize plant throughput and support the launch of the new V2PP assembly cell.
Lee at Burg Frankenstein – a trip during his Bubble Assignment
What was different about everyday working life in Germany compared to the US?
I have fond memories of morning bike rides or walks to work – a relaxing alternative to the typical rush hour traffic in the US. I was particularly impressed by the strong sense of community in the German team. Every day we took a break together in the morning, where stories, laughter and often homemade food were shared.
Did the Bubble Assignment change your perspective of NORMA Group?
Definitely! It gave me a greater understanding of NORMA Group’s global reach as well as its rich history. One of the things I remember most is the DKW motorcycle in the entrance hall of the factory in Gerbershausen. I also learned more about the roots of NORMA Group, the Rasmussen GmbH. That made it clear to me that our current products are based on a long tradition of technical innovation.
My time in Germany strengthened my enthusiasm for international cooperation and increased my motivation to develop further within the company.
What inspired you to stay with NORMA Group for ten years?
The most important factor was the people. I was lucky enough to work with some really great managers, mentors and colleagues over the years.
“The diversity of the teams – both local and global – always brings new perspectives and ideas that we can turn into solutions.”
The second most important factor is innovation. I have been able to work on exciting projects, including the development of the eM-Safe Quick Connector, the introduction of a new infrared welding process and several NORMA Group patents. It is motivating to be involved in challenging projects and to see the impact of my work on a global level.
And what do you like to do in your free time?
I like to be active and take part in competitions – whether it’s ice hockey, golf or bowling. Last year I reached a personal milestone: a bowling average of over 200, which qualifies me for professional tournaments in the coming year.
When I’m not doing sports, I enjoy traveling with my wife and our corgi, Tito.
Last but not least: What are your goals for the future?
I recently took on the role of Application Engineering Manager for our fastening products. In the near future, I would like to expand my technical experience and become more customer-oriented. In the long term, I aspire to other leadership roles where I can help shape NORMA Group’s product strategy, promote innovation and inspire the next generation of engineers.
