Cathy Virtz’s Multi-Generation Westminster Family Tradition
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For nearly 30 years, Cathy Virtz has been working at our Penguin Random House distribution center in Westminster, Maryland, most recently as Shipping Manifestor. Cathy recently shared her story with Igloo, covering her tenure with the company and how she has encouraged a number of her family members to join the ranks at Westminster – a true multi-generation family tradition. Here is Cathy, in her own words. 
“I have been here at Penguin Random House going on 29 years. I work in Shipping on Hahn Rd. in Westminster. I came here in 1989. I have worked in many areas … Shipping, A/R, Customer Service, Picking. You name it, I’ve worked it.
“I got my daughter, Sherry Virtz, here right out of school. She worked in a grocery store, banks, not having benefits. I put my foot down and told her, ‘Girl, you have got to get something steady. If you want a car and those designer jeans you have to have, you got to get a job.’ So I told her to come here. Well, she did. Her words to me were, ‘Mom, if you think I’m staying here for any time you’re crazy.’ Well, she worked in the warehouse and kept coming to work. Loved the pay checks, loved the vacations, loved all the perks we have. 28 years later she is still here. She is now in Sales. Her title is Fields Sales Manager. So for someone who said, ‘Mom I’m never staying here,’ she has sure has made a great career for herself. She loves her job and the company.
“Since her, I’ve had my granddaughter Brooke, who worked summers here while in college. She is now a pastry chef. My grandson Dylan worked here, too, but he moved on and now works for NASCAR. My other granddaughter worked here as well and the experience helped her learn what she wanted in life.
“I also brought in my niece Christina, who has now been here 5 years. She works in our Credit department. She often thanks me for getting her to give Penguin Random House a try. Prior to her time here, she also worked as a banker, with no benefits or vacation time. Even though all of us have our good days and bad, she loves her job. And we always look forward to getting a girl’s night out together at the wonderful Holiday Party.
“Those of us in my family who worked here in the past and those who are still here love what the company has done for us and the nice things we are able to have in life.”
