Penny Eslinger is the Vice President and Co-Owner here at NPI. She joined the team in 1994, after previous employment as a teacher’s aide, blackjack dealer and vehicle customer service. Since coming to NPI, she has completed her education at Chippewa Valley Technical College with an accounting degree and has attended many in-services and training sessions in relation to human resources and persons with developmental disabilities. Her current role here at NPI has a diverse compilation of duties. This includes day to day operations of the business by offering support and assistance in whatever way it is needed.

In 2003 she and Jay Gast purchased NPI from the previous owners, Steve & Judy Holm, of whom she had known since a teenager. At that time the business had approximately 35 consumers and 80 employees. The company has grown since then and now includes 45 consumers and about 100 employees and has homes in many surrounding communities.

She also donates her time to Agnes’ Table, fundraising for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Endless Adventures and many other events. She is a member of WPSA, Chippewa Falls Main Street, and Jim Town Jumpers 4-H club.

An important aspect of her life is her family along with three dogs, numerous cats and five horses. She lives in the nearby community of Cadott on a small hobby farm and enjoys working outdoors, horseback riding, music and travel. In her free time she sings in a country/rock band named High Card.