Associate Spotlight: Nancy Novatney

At CASTO, our success is built on the dedication, expertise, and relationships cultivated by associates who help shape our culture every day. This month, we’re highlighting Nancy Novatney, whose nearly 31-year career with the company reflects a deep commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and service.

Throughout her tenure, Nancy has embraced opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise, earning industry certifications and becoming a trusted resource within the organization. Her passion for continuous learning and willingness to explore different facets of the real estate industry have helped her build a rewarding and impactful career.

Known for her positive attitude and appreciation for the people around her, Nancy values the supportive culture that makes CASTO unique. Whether celebrating the accomplishments of colleagues, contributing to industry organizations, or enjoying time outdoors, she brings a thoughtful and optimistic perspective to everything she does. Read on to learn more about Nancy’s career journey, the accomplishments she’s most proud of, and what excites her about the future of the industry.

In honor of our 100th anniversary, what’s one CASTO tradition or value you hope continues for the next 100 years? 
We have so many great traditions here, it’s hard to choose! I would probably say, celebrating our people, and their successes and milestones; not just professionally but also personally. Whether it’s graduating from college, getting married, or having a new little one, our associates show up for each other and the communities we serve. It’s something that feels great to be part of!

What accomplishment at CASTO are you most proud of?
Looking back over the past nearly 31 years (gosh, where’d the time go?), there just isn’t one accomplishment, there’s a series of them! Getting my real estate license, then my property & casualty insurance license and RCIP certification, joining EWI of Columbus as a representative in 2023, and getting to serve as this year’s Chapter President have all been great accomplishments throughout the past 15 years of my career. If I had to summarize, I guess learning multiple facets of an interesting industry that I am proud to be part of and finding my niche. Not everyone is happy in their career, so I’m very fortunate!

How have your colleagues influenced your experience at CASTO?
Everyone contributes to our culture. We’re all better because we have a supportive and collaborative environment. We all encourage each other’s growth which helps build confidence and a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Our associates get the work done, but we also take time to laugh, which is important.

What excites you most about the future of the industry?
What excites me the most are the opportunities! Our industry has significant room for growth, and that potential makes the future especially exciting. Even during periods of uncertainty, we have remained agile and able to adapt to new challenges. That flexibility speaks volumes about the strength of our leadership and gives me confidence in where the industry, and CASTO, is headed.

Tell us about a hobby, passion, or volunteer activity that’s important to you.
A love of the outdoors has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

Although I grew up on a farm in eastern Licking County, I didn’t fully appreciate that lifestyle until much later in life. As kids, chores like mowing grass and gardening felt more like work than something to enjoy. That perspective changed the first time I sat in a deer stand. It was maybe 20 degrees, and we didn’t see a thing—yet it felt like we saw everything. Watching the woods come alive at sunrise is unforgettable. Fishing gives me that same sense of awe. There’s something surreal about watching the mist rise off the water at sunrise—it’s peaceful, grounding, and a reminder of how much beauty there is in the outdoors.