Red Rooster Lifting is proud to announce the promotion of Norman Smart to technical business development manager.
A role that not only recognises his infectious passion for lifting equipment but also highlights Red Rooster’s commitment to service, and the people who make it possible.
Norman’s story with Red Rooster began in June 1994, when he joined as the company’s very first Apprentice, straight out of school. Growing up in Clatt, Norman knew journeyman Frank Morrison from Red Rooster, who was central to shaping his career.
Norman Smart Apprentice in 1994 with Journeyman Frank Morrison
“I always thought I’d have been a farmer,” Norman recalls. “But it wasn’t feasible for my family to provide me with a job on the farm. Frank spoke to my dad and said there was an apprentice opportunity coming up at Red Rooster. I took it, and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.”
Under Frank’s watchful eye, Norman learned the ropes while attending Aberdeen College one day a week to gain his HNC. The apprenticeship was hands-on and tough — every hoist had to be stripped, cleaned, painted, and repaired by one person before going out as good as new.
“Frank instilled the standards in you. You had to get it right the first time, or you’d hear about it,” Norman laughs. “Those early years shaped the way I still work today.”
Industry Experience Offshore
After completing his four-year apprenticeship, Norman spent six years as a qualified engineer before progressing to Workshop Supervisor. During this time, he also completed his offshore survival training and was sent out by Red Rooster to carry out installations on rigs. One of the most memorable was the Alba platform project, where he installed hoists and trolleys — an experience that inspired him to seek broader industry exposure. In 2007, Norman decided to take on that challenge, leaving Red Rooster to gain 11 years of hands-on industry experience in the field.
Returning to Red Rooster and Building New Skills
In August 2018, Norman returned to Red Rooster, this time in sales. The timing finally aligned, and with years of technical knowledge and first-hand industry experience under his belt, he was perfectly placed to support customers from the other side of the desk. Since his return, Norman has worked side by side with Susan Morrison, the company’s long-standing Hire Coordinator of more than 25 years. Norman jokingly calls Susan his “new Frank” — the desk-side equivalent of his first mentor — guiding him through the ropes of office life.
While Norman will now be less involved with the workshop side, he has stayed closely connected with the Production Management team – first Paul Shewan (now Production Director) and then Gavin Fraser – to make sure jobs run smoothly from start to finish. Throughout his career, he’s also valued the steady support of the company directors, Bill and Lena, whose relationship with him spans more than three decades.
“My approach is simple — be myself, be honest, and go the extra mile. Customers trust you when they know you’ve been where they are and can back it up with real technical experience.”
This trust has made Norman an invaluable member of the sales team and a go-to contact for customers who rely on Red Rooster’s service and expertise.
Teamwork, Leadership and Continued Development
Now, stepping into his new role as Technical Business Development Manager, Norman is excited about the road ahead.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge — meeting new people, exploring new industries, and raising awareness of a brand I’m genuinely passionate about. I want people to love our products as much as I do.”
For Norman, the promotion is both a personal milestone and a continuation of Red Rooster’s ethos of growing talent from within.
Norman with Stephanie Craigmile – Red Rooster, Marketing Manager
“For me, this new role is all about leadership through support. I’m a team player at heart, and my focus is to work alongside the team to make sure our customers receive the very best service possible.”
Norman’s Next Chapter
Looking back, Norman reflects on how far Red Rooster has come since those early days.
“When I started, we didn’t have the machine shop or draughtsmen we have now. Today, we can custom design, manufacture, and supply solutions to match exactly what our customers need. That’s what keeps me passionate — the projects, the innovations, and the partnerships we build.”
Norman describes Red Rooster in one simple sentence:
“We’re a trusted lifting partner — a true partnership between Red Rooster and our customers.”
Norman’s journey from Apprentice to Technical Business Development Manager embodies Red Rooster Lifting’s values: hard work, service, innovation, and trust. His promotion not only celebrates his personal success but also reinforces Red Rooster’s position as a market leader where service comes first.
Norman’s promotion comes at an exciting time for Red Rooster, with major events on the horizon. Next month, he will be attending ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi alongside the commercial team, where he looks forward to connecting with industry colleagues old and new.
“If you’re attending ADIPEC, please reach out — I’d love to meet for a coffee, or perhaps a cooler refreshment in the Abu Dhabi heat!” Norman adds.