This week, we are spotlighting two valuable members of Grand Teton Association’s retail team: Don and Penny Powers.

When Don and Penny retired from their long careers, they left their home behind in Washington, located between Seattle and Tacoma, became full-time RVers and hit the road.

“It was his dream to see many parks,” Penny said.

First, they worked in Yellowstone National Park at the campgrounds through Yellowstone Forever for six seasons before landing in Grand Teton National Park, where they have also now worked with Grand Teton Association for six seasons.

As a former Boeing engineer, Don applied his many skills as a tour guide and maintenance technician in Yellowstone, and now as our store supervisor at Jenny Lake.

Penny, a seasoned former retail specialist and special education assistant, serves as a retail associate at the Grand Teton Association Jenny Lake store, employing her people skills on a daily basis.

“The best part is the staff here,” Penny said. “They enthuse you, energize and support you. And the mountains!”

Don and Penny, who have been married for 40 years, live in the Gros Ventre Campground in the summertime, where they treasure the abundant animal life, especially the birds. Last year, they encountered a moose family in their campground and a robin built a nest next to them.

“It’s very peaceful,” Penny said. “And there are fewer animal jams in Grand Teton than in Yellowstone!”

The pair enjoy working with Grand Teton Association mainly because they appreciate the people. “The people are wonderful and the rangers are wonderful to work with,” Penny said. “The people you work with are the ones who really make or break it.” And because of the people they meet every day. “People with stories are interesting,” Penny said.

They also value the serene setting at the base of the Tetons on Jenny Lake. “We look outside the window and see a 13,000 foot rock and a beautiful lake,” Penny said.