Putting Passion to Work

Ken and Renee Norris bring heart and soul to their flooring and lighting business

Words by JennyLynn Davis | Image by Blakeney Clouse

“We were not the ones who originally built this business, but the ones who did build it, built it for us,” says Renee Norris. “They didn’t know it at the time, and neither did we, but it was all part of God’s plan.”

 Renee and Ken Norris met as students at Carbon Hill High School. They married shortly after graduating and have built their lives around their love for Christ and their passion for helping others. Together, Renee and Ken pour their lives into Showcase Lighting, Floors, and More in Jasper.

 Showcase is simultaneously a staple in the community and one of Walker County’s biggest hidden gems. Renee can likely be found at the store at any given time, while Ken might be there helping out, or at home managing the family farm.

 Renee’s connection to the store is strong and precedes her time as the owner. “I was working at Bank of Walker County when I was approached by Jeannie Clement to come work at their flooring company, Clement Flooring,” Renee recalls. “She said if I would they were going to build a new building and would add lighting to the business. I was intrigued at the idea and said ‘yes.’ When the door opened for us to purchase the business, we knew God had set us in motion for another chapter in our lives.”

 Once they took over the business in 2009, Renee and Ken decided to call it Showcase Lighting, Floors, and More for the sake of familiarity. Renee was previously part-owner of a furniture business named Showcase Gallery and had built a loyal clientele. This client base has only expanded over the last 11 years.

 “Every day, we pray for God to send us a customer that can help us sustain our business and that we can help,” Renee says. “He has sent us some of the best, most unique people, and we have helped and befriended them.”

Home is a crucial and important aspect of Renee’s life, and she wants every person that comes to her for help to love being in their own homes. “Once, a couple that moved here from Pennsylvania asked me why they should buy their items from us instead of a big box store. I told them simply that the big box store doesn’t have me,” says Renee. “I didn’t say that to be selfish, I said it because I would put my all into helping those people, and I did. They still stop by and visit us, saying it was one of their best decisions.”

 Renee’s passion for interior design and for helping others is what inspires her to go to work each day, though she never feels like she is working. “I am living my dream and putting my passion to work with every job I take on,” she says. “When you come to me for help, I take on your project as my own, and I won’t be satisfied until you are.” 78