Issue link: http://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/896209
41 When Mercedes opened its auto plant near Tuscaloosa in 1993, it changed the industrial landscape of Alabama, and Brenda Randall was part of the team that made it happen. Randall worked side by side with company and community leaders who clinched the deal that brought hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars to Tuscaloosa County and the state, as well as caused many auto suppliers to relocate to the area. "It was a tightknit group that dedicated a lot of time to getting Mercedes here," said Randall. "It was a lot of fun, but it was very challenging because so many personalities were involved, and there was so much pressure to get it done." During that project, Randall learned a lot about relationship-building, lessons that she put to good use for 21 years as a residential market specialist in Western Division. Randall, who retired July 7 after more than 40 years with Alabama Power, was the company liaison for about 45 Tuscaloosa-area developers and builders of subdivisions, public housing and multifamily projects. She helped set up orders for temporary and permanent service for the builders' projects, worked with Distribution to coordinate running power lines into new subdivisions, promoted electric end-use products and was available to answer questions or respond to requests. "Brenda's job was to sell electricity, and her way of selling was by knowing and understanding her builders and learning what was important to them," said Western Division Marketing Manager Chris Shinstock. "When they had problems, they had her personal phone number. She was reachable and approachable, and she knew how to resolve their issues." Randall's co-workers said she is known for her sense of humor, ready laugh and positive outlook. "Anytime you went into a situation with Brenda, she was going to approach it with a positive attitude," said Western Division Market Specialist Joe Daffron, who worked with Randall for 21 years. "Even if it was a tough situation, she looked at how can we make something good out of it." With a smile, Randall remembers two of those tough situations, which HAPPY TRAILS Power Broker R A N D A L L W O N F R I E N D S , I N F L U E N C E D P E O P L E F O R 4 0 Y E A R S by Carla Davis Photo by Ana Catherine Roberson