Hanging with Header is a monthly series that showcases the people, ideals, and principles that make Header go, and how our dedicated individuals go above and beyond to demonstrate what excellence means. This month we’re proud to feature Craig Otten, a longtime member of the Header family and someone who plays a foundational role in making Header the trusted, family-owned business we’ve been for more than 70 years.

After more than 34 years of service, it’s safe to say when you think of Header, you think of Craig Otten.

Craig joined our family in the late 1980’s as a member of our pin polishing team, and subsequently spent a number of years working in a variety of different roles around the shop. While wearing so many different hats throughout a career may sound challenging, it’s something Craig both loves and encourages — in fact, it’s something he feels makes a Header a unique place to work.

“That’s something I really love about Header,” Otten said. “You get to work in every different department.”

Craig eventually found his way to our central dispatch team for 12 years before finally transitioning to our grinding department, one that he has called home for the last two decades.

Header has seen some significant changes during Craig’s time: several shop expansions and renovations, new machines and technology, and the introduction of our gainsharing program to allow our employees to share in the profitability of the company.

Through it all, Craig has been a consistent presence of dedication and professionalism to our customers and to our team. A true lifelong learner, Craig believes the best advice for those new to The Header Way is to be as open as possible to new experiences, lessons, and opportunities.

“Seek out all the different opportunities Header has to offer,” Otten said.

Craig’s time with Header will come to an end Friday with his retirement. Outside of the shop, Craig loves to attend music festivals and is an avid fisherman, and he plans to spend his well-earned retirement traveling and experiencing a wealth of other cultures.

We couldn’t be more excited for Craig as he embarks on this new adventure, and we couldn’t be more grateful for everything he’s contributed as a member of the Header team. A job well done indeed. Bon voyage, Craig!

Thanks to Craig for letting us get to know him a little better, and stay tuned for next month’s installment of Hanging with Header. Learn more about how you can join the Header team!