End of an Era: An Interview with CC Controller Al Weber
-3/15/2023-
Al Weber, Caster Connection's beloved (he wouldn't like that description) Controller of 20+ years is calling it a career March 17th, 2023.
On the eve of his final day, we publish a recent interview with Al discussing his career, his time at Caster Connection, and more!
Q: What did you do in your career prior to joining the Caster Connection team?
A: I worked for Meredith Graphics in Euclid, OH as I was attending Lakeland Community College earning an Associate's Degree in Accounting. After the degree I went into an Accounts Receivables position with Coyne Industrial Laundry. It turned out to be mostly collection of past due customers.
After 2 years I left that job and went back to Meredith Graphics for 5 years. My next job was for 20 years with All Points Printing in Willoughby, OH. I was the part owner of the business with my father-in-law. We specialized in Letterpress printing which is a specialty process that most others did not have. The vast majority of our customers were other printers from around Ohio, PA, and Michigan. When computers became more prevalent, business declined and we sold it.
I then went back into accounting, working for Pace Engineering in Willoughby. That lasted 1 year, as I decided it wasn’t for me and I decided to leave.
The rest of my time has been with Caster Connection.
When did you begin working with Caster Connection, and what was your role at the time?
I began my career with Caster Connection on October 31st 2002. I was the sole Full Charge Bookkeeper at the time. The person before me left her job, so I had to learn everything on my own with no training at all.
What is your role now?
Now, as I leave this job, I have been in charge of all aspects of the accounting department. From invoicing, account collections, accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting, taxes, and formerly Human Resources.
What are your favorite accomplishments from your time at Caster Connection?
When I started at Caster Connection in 2002, we only had Monochrome CRT computers and NO INTERNET. We also had an antiquated phone system and everyone used “beepers” to know that they had a phone call (you younger kids will have to look that up on the web to see what I am talking about). I was charged with bringing the company into the new century.
I eventually got Caster Connection into utilizing an ERP system, added modern phones connecting the Michigan and Chardon Warehouses and, internet.
What are some of your favorite memories from your tenure at Caster Connection?
There are plenty of them, but none are available for publication without talking about some of the more interesting company parties we had in the past, and the mentioning of names.
Is there anything that makes Caster Connection different than other companies you've been with during your career?
The differentiator between Caster Connection and the other companies I have worked for is the culture and the people.
Here we can have fun and get our work done at the same time. I feel that everyone is treated as an equal, and can speak their mind and be listened too.
How have you seen Caster Connection change during your time here?
When I started at Caster Connection, we were a much smaller company with stagnant sales. We’ve grown a tremendous amount in revenue, employees and efficiency from then to today.
In my early days we had 3 locations: Chardon OH, Novi MI, and a sales office in Columbus. We consolidated everything at the end of 2009 by moving our HQ to Columbus.
In Chardon, we were so stretched for space, that we would open up in the morning, move gaylords of product out into the parking lot (in 6 feet of snow, at times) build casters, have UPS pick up, and at the end of the day, move everything back inside. All of our offices were in the shop, much like what our Warehouse Manager’s is today. It made for a great time trying to talk with customers on the phone and have the power wrenches buzzing in your other ear.
Where do you foresee Caster Connection in the next 10 years?
I am sure that Caster Connection will keep growing as it has over the past several years.
My biggest concern would be with the affects that geopolitics can present.
What is your advice for people that are early in their or career, or even in the middle of their career?
START YOUR 401K SAVINGS AS EARLY AS YOU CAN!!! I wish I had it available to me earlier in my lifetime. Caster Connection was the 1st and only employer that I have worked for that has offered it.
Believe me…you will not live on Social Security alone.
What is your advice for anyone about to retire?
I really do not have any advice. You will have to ask me that question again in a few months. This will be my first time without a job since I was 12 years old. I really don’t know what to expect or if I even planned for it in the correct way.
What's next for Al Weber?
I plan to spend the spring and summer catching up on my “Honey Do” list that I have not been able to get to over the past few years.
In April, my wife and I are going on a 15-day Panama Canal Cruise from Galveston, Texas to Los Angeles, CA.
Other than that, my wife has already told me that she is my new boss and I will have to do whatever she wants me to (“Yes, Dear!”).
Anything else you want to say?
It has been a pleasure knowing you all.
There have been highs and lows during my time here, but mostly it has been an enjoyable and educating time.
I really want to say thank you to my fellow coworker Parris in Accounts Receivable for putting up with me these past 6 years. She has made my job so much easier by dedicating herself to the tasks she has been given and completing them all to the satisfaction of everyone around her. THANK YOU, PARRIS !
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Thanks again for an amazing 20+ years, Al.
We appreciate you and wish you the best.
