More About Norm Rest

President and Co-founder

Born in Pasadena, Norman Rest became a Newport Beach resident in 1960, when his family purchased a weekend and summer home retreat. A dreamer and builder from birth, Norman grew up considering that anything he could imagine, he could make happen.

His father served in WWll, while his entrepreneurial mom started her own hair salon business on Rodeo Drive at age 19, while also becoming the co-author of “The Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking”.

Norman’s hardworking parents taught him great values, a strong work ethic, respect and honor. They always encouraged him do what he loved and to follow his dreams.

After being a teenage “tree house master”, Norman, at 21, set out to build a three-story home for his young family. This Top of the World property, completed in 1971, launched Norman into an illustrious lifelong career of building, first in Laguna Beach, shortly followed by Orange County. Today, his projects and properties encompass a number of states and few countries, too.

Aside from his beautiful wife and two children, Norm’s greatest passions include playing and restoration of stringed instruments, surfing, downhill skiing, E-biking, and paddling.

Current philanthropic involvements include: ocean stewardship, water preservation, wind energy, music, education, and Veteran related causes.

In 2020, after almost 40 years of running Lido Sailing club and Lido Paddle Sports, near Hoag Hospital, Norman realized a unique way to give back to all the doctors and first responders who had been recently tolled by a pandemic. He felt a calling to invite them to a fun water experience, where they could share in the restorative qualities of time spent paddling in beautiful Newport harbor. Thus, Lido Paddle Project was born.