Randy Williams: An Appreciation
The "godfather of our ESOP" retires
After 23 years, 5 months, and 15 days of extraordinary service, Steven Randell ‘Randy’ Williams is retiring from Cisco-Eagle. He has been a guiding force for us during his entire tenure, providing guidance on all things financial, ESOP and in most every way.
Randy joined Cisco-Eagle in 2001, after working as a software consultant during an ERP installation. He served as Cisco-Eagle’s CFO from 2001 to 2023, when he became corporate treasurer. Randy’s contributions to Cisco-Eagle and his influence on our growth, stability and employee ownership culture cannot be overstated.
“I call Randy Mr. ESOP,” said Cisco-Eagle president Bryan Gauger. “He’s played the largest role of anyone in this company in the functioning of our ESOP. Randy is the biggest champion for our ESOPs that I know, and I appreciate the passion he has for this. His passion has benefited Cisco-Eagle for sure.”
We held a luncheon in Randy’s honor, where he was joined by his wife Sharon, their sons Steven & Shawn and their daughter-in-law Tania
Along with his knowledge of the ESOP, Williams brought our company a deep and detailed mind for all things financial. “Randy can explain anything financial to anyone, at any level of the company,” said CEO Darein Gandall. Alongside that, Williams has been the core champion of Cisco-Eagle’s open book management process, which makes almost all financial information available to our employee-owners. His commitment to transparency, accuracy and ethics made him an extraordinary employee-owner.
Randy Williams was awarded Cisco-Eagle’s 2021-2022 Employee-Owner of the Year by his fellow employee-owners – an award he tried to refuse. His fellow employees convinced him.
Right: Randy Williams and Cisco-Eagle President Bryan Gauger
One of Randy’s favorite things was sending ESOP statements to our employee-owners. Every year, when stock is valued and new shares distributed, each employee receives a detailed statement on their account balance. Randy savored that time, personally stuffing each envelope. “Randy knows those statements are changing our people and their families’ lives,” said Gauger. “He looks at every single statement, stuffs the envelope, and enjoys getting that to the employee. It’s a highlight for him.”
Williams is a relentless worker. “As many of you know Randy could be found at the office at just about any hour of the day or night and on any day,” said Gauger.
Randy is famous for often saying “Don’t Spend It Until You Get It” and “I Am Not A Lawyer.” When asked how he’s doing, his answer is always: “I Am Blessed.”
In retirement, Randy will do what he’s always done: served others. He will spend time with his grandchildren, his family and his activities, but he also volunteers to teach financial literacy to those in need. He swims daily and enjoys everything about golf. Randy and Sharon will continue to take motorcycle trips, as they have done for many years.
Above: Randy Williams (left), along with other retired employee-owners: Larry Trowbridge, David Adair and Chris Doyle
Randy’s adherence to ownership principles and accuracy have guided Cisco-Eagle for over two decades, providing a stable platform for our growth and success. He’s known as a fierce advocate for what’s right, and what’s fair. He’s firm and consistent, but light-hearted and positive.
From every employee-owner, thank you Randy. Enjoy your retirement, but please visit often!
About employee ownership at Cisco-Eagle
Cisco-Eagle employees own 100% of the company’s shares. We believe that ownership empowers our team to provide better service—and, judging by reviews, our customers seem to agree. For more information about our ownership culture, visit our ESOP page.
Tags: ESOP
Scott Stone is Cisco-Eagle's Vice President of Marketing with 35 years of experience in material handling, warehousing and industrial operations. His work is published in multiple industry journals an websites on a variety of warehousing topics. He writes about automation, warehousing, safety, manufacturing and other areas of concern for industrial operations and those who operate them.