I had that answer many times when folks asked me about my partner Tom. He is a Norwood, the last living Norwood, in the small town of Norwood, North Carolina. He has been a dentist in the lakeside area of Stanly County since 1975. Dentistry was all he ever wanted to do from the time he was in elementary school, watching the building we are in today being built. Thirty eight years and thousands of appreciative patients and three generations later, he is retiring and selling me his share of Norwood Dental Clinic. I have the privilege of taking the helm of this amazing practice. We have been working together since 2000 and, although we are equal partners, I have always thought of Dr. N as a father figure to me. My Dad, Bill, passed away in 1998 so having Tom was critical for my well being and direction. He was able to help me as a dentist, businessman, and just as a person. He has a gentle way about him. Not passive aggressive but passive and constructive. He knows how to live a good life, to treat people right, to minimize self-induced stress and to appreciate his time on earth. He has been a hugely positive force in my life and the lives of his patients. Now, he can spend well-deserved time with his family including his two grandkids.
I have been blessed to have been his partner and to have been able to finish out my career serving the same great families here in Stanly County. My hat is off to Dr. Tom Norwood! Best wishes moving forward and make the next 38 years even better!