Our Story

After serving 12 years in State Government, Norm, the founder of N Weiss Associates, Inc. (NWA) entered the private consulting world as a Managing Senior at two national environmental firms. The transition was eye-opening. The relentless focus on billable hours and quarterly metrics seemed to overshadow what mattered most - solving clients' real compliance challenges. However, Norm was fortunate to find a mentor in Gene Cetwinski, who shared a different vision: "Your best client is a repeat client, and our goal is to build long-term client relationships, not just individual short-term projects." This perspective resonated deeply with Norm's own values, shaped by his years in public service.

When the consulting firm he last worked for was sold and closed in 1996, Norm saw an opportunity to build something different. Armed with one loyal client, a new Compaq desktop computer, and the responsibility of a recent home purchase and two small children, he founded N Weiss Associates, Inc. (NWA). A fellow entrepreneur's stark warning - "As a sole practitioner, you will become a hunter gatherer - if you don't kill it, you won't eat" - underscored the risks ahead. Norm had learned a lot about the consulting business over the previous 5 years, however, he knew very little about owning and operating his own business. Yet Norm remained committed to building a practice centered on genuine client partnerships rather than just billable hours.

NWA's growth strategy emerged from Norm's connection to Arizona State University, where he served as a guest speaker. Recognizing exceptional talent among the students, he began selective recruitment that evolved into full-time positions. Many early team members have gone on to become successful EHS managers, while others have grown into leadership roles within NWA.

In 2001, NWA made a pioneering decision to become a virtual company - years before remote work became mainstream. This choice reflected Norm's commitment to focusing on what truly mattered: hiring exceptional professionals who could work independently while maintaining high standards of client service.

While consulting remains metrics-driven, NWA's core values emphasize sustainable work-life balance and team wellbeing. Our philosophy is simple but powerful: when you take care of your team, they take care of your clients. By setting high expectations for customer service and value delivery, we continue to build lasting client relationships - one customer at a time.