Meet the Team: John Hodgkinson, the Master Planner Behind Norwegian Log's Seamless Operations

Get to know John Hodgkinson, our Senior Contract Manager, who has been an integral part of the Norwegian Log team. John's role is truly multifaceted, ensuring our contracts run smoothly, our customers receive exactly what they envisioned, and our dedicated teams are well-supported.

In a recent chat, John painted a picture of a dynamic and ever-evolving role. From overseeing contracts and ensuring customer satisfaction to managing our skilled craftsmen and handling aftercare, John's responsibilities touch every aspect of our projects. He's the go-to person for customer queries, design changes, and site inspections. As he aptly put it, "It's a bit of everything, really. Always busy."

A Maestro of Many Moving Parts

John's organisational prowess is key to keeping our projects on track. With a recent team restructuring, he now directly manages two of our skilled crews, alongside the two fit-out teams. This means John oversees a total of four crews, in addition to coordinating with three valued subcontractors. This intricate web of responsibilities requires meticulous planning and a proactive approach.

"It's a real mix. You're in the office at times, like you'd expect, but then you're also out on different sites quite a bit." John explained. He aims to visit each site at least every two weeks, with fit-out projects demanding weekly check-ins. He also collaborates closely with Jack on groundwork and stays involved as those projects commence. 

Pictured left to right: Diane Stoneman (Accounts Assistant), John Hodgkinson, Ed Taylor (CEO), and Paul Williams (Operations Director). 

A Long-Standing Connection and Shared History

John's journey with Norwegian Log is deeply intertwined with his long-standing relationship with Paul Williams (Norwegian Log's Operations Director and Co-Owner), going back nearly eighteen years. Their paths first crossed when John worked on one of Paul's cabins at his previous company. Initially finding work as a labourer before his carpentry skills were needed, John played a part in constructing what was then the country's largest log cabin. Their professional relationship continued to grow, leading them both to Norwegian Log in 2016 after a year of subcontracting.

From Family Foundations to Personal Paths

John's connection to the construction industry runs deep, with his father establishing a construction company in the mid-1970s. While his father initially envisioned a different path for him, encouraging him towards academia, John's practical inclination led him back to the world of building. After pursuing a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology, he found his way back to his roots, eventually honing his carpentry skills and forging his own path.

When asked about his "dream build," John's imagination takes us to the wilderness. "When I think of a dream build, I'm picturing those shows where people are, like, way out in the middle of nowhere, building their own log cabins and going completely off-grid." Perhaps one day, he'll bring that off-grid vision to life, albeit one that meets all necessary regulations! His affinity for the rugged beauty of New Zealand, a place his brother always spoke of, further fuels this dream.

Memorable Milestones and Meaningful Connections

Looking back at his time at Norwegian Log, John highlights the "lift" projects as particularly exciting. These large-scale builds, such as those for Kington St. Michael Primary School and Downe House School, involved the entire process from warehouse manufacturing to on-site assembly. The efficiency of completing these substantial projects within tight school holiday windows showcased the team's capabilities and the benefits of prefabrication for B2B clients.

Another standout commercial project for John has been Cambridgeshire Lakes, where he has developed a strong rapport with Charlie Alexander. He admires Charlie's vision and has enjoyed watching his plans for the site come to fruition over the past five years. The bespoke cabin designs for the holiday lets, tailored to maximise lake views and cater to specific market needs, exemplify Norwegian Log's commitment to understanding and fulfilling client aspirations.

The Heart of the Matter: Making Dreams a Reality

When asked what he truly enjoys about working at Norwegian Log, John's answer resonates with the core values of our company. It's not just about the construction itself, but the lasting impact it has on our customers' lives.

"I think the nicest thing is when you chat with owners maybe six months or even a year after they've moved and downsized. And they're just...chilled out. All that stress of the move is totally gone. They've settled in, they're happy as anything, and then talking to them about how they're actually living in the place they really wanted, and that they've actually got the dream they were after."

Hearing from satisfied customers, knowing that their Norwegian Log cabin has truly become their dream home, is what John finds most heartening. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the dedication and care that John and the entire Norwegian Log team bring to every project. His commitment to ensuring smooth operations and happy customers makes him an invaluable asset to our team, and we are proud to have him driving our success.