On The Road
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Cynthia B. Normandin
Title: Vice President
Company: Braun’s Express Inc.
Location: Hopedale
Cynthia B. Normandin left a career as a math teacher in the Millis public school system to lead the sales, marketing and accounting departments at Braun’s Express, a trucking and logistics company that she and her husband had purchased in 1982. The company has grown from one terminal and eight trucks, to a 200-person firm with five terminal locations servicing much of the eastern United States. In addition to serving as vice president of Braun’s Express, she’s also president and owner of Normandin Transportation Services, a logistics company.
Who is your most influential role model, and why?
My mother died when I was 4 years old, but my mother-in-law, Yvette Normandin has been a great role model for me. She would share a recipe, help with parenting skills, and she always had time to sit and chat with me when I needed someone to talk to. She is truly a beautiful lady.
Why are you good at what you do?
I am passionate about life and I am a happy person. I am a hard worker. I am constantly learning. I know it takes teamwork to succeed, as well as strength to make decisions and overcome obstacles. I am strong yet sensitive, strict and also understanding.
How does your organization give back to the community, and what role have you played in those efforts?
It is important to give to others — give of your time, give of your talents and give of your treasures. Personally, I talk about the importance of giving back. It feels good to help others. We give to the church, annually contributing to the Partners in Charity campaign and we also donate food. We give to our school; our company made a donation to set up a scholarship fund and I have volunteered in the community reader program. The company gives a donation to support employees when they participate in charitable efforts. At the holidays, our employees wanted to give us a gift. We said thank you, but we asked them to donate to a local charity. They are giving monies collected to the Salvation Army in Milford.
When the stress level gets too high, what’s your secret remedy?
I take time for myself, and I contemplate all the wonderful things in my life. This is easy to do if the sun is shining. I think of the song by U2, “It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it slip away.” I remind myself that life has its ups and downs. Next, I make sure that I have been eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. If not, I make this a priority.
How have you tried to balance your career and your personal life?
Owning a family business and working with your husband every day is challenging at times. The business can become all consuming. We needed to define work time from personal time. My job allowed me to work flex hours, adjusting my hours to fit our family schedules.
We may work long days Monday through Friday, but we do not work weekends (unless absolutely necessary). Weekends are family time. Protecting this family time has been a priority.
I make sure we plan fun and relaxation into our schedules. I garden and I enjoy sports. I wake up early to fit fun activities into my daily schedule. I rely on my family to help with household chores and errands. For example, I like to cook and my husband cooks, too...and once a week we plan date night, and often we decide to go out to a restaurant.
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