In 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi coastlines. Pope Benedict XVI succeeded John Paul II. The Irish Republican Army declared an end to armed conflict. And Penny Haight joined CasterDepot.
In the decade and a half since, Penny has worn multiple hats for the company, filling key roles that ranged from administrative to customer service to accounting. Most recently she was the first voice you’d hear when you called our corporate offices.
A Michigan native, Penny grew up in (what was at the time) the small town of Grandville. At just 19 years old, she enlisted in the US Army, a decision she credits with instilling her sense of direction and self-discipline. Penny’s life changed drastically when her husband tragically passed at a young age, and she suddenly found herself raising her three young children by herself. But her resolve and dedication ensured her girls were always taken care of. To this day, family continues to be her priority, love and passion.
Loyal to a fault and always willing to help, Penny has been the epitome of what you would hope for in an employee and colleague. When asked about why she loved working at CasterDepot, she replied, “I’m the tour guide; I lead people to what they need to know and where they need to go. And I’m in charge of documentation, so in an odd way, I’m also the historian.” Pretty cool.
Friday was Penny’s last day before retirement, and she is now looking forward to relaxing, schedule free days. And while she may or may not join her daughter in Oregon to fill up the days with reading and whatever else comes her way, one thing is for certain. She will always be CasterDepot’s tour guide.