We’ve had some pretty tough blog entries over the past couple of years. But I’m sure this one is going to be the toughest. For me, anyhow.
As our friend Yogi Berra, an iconic American baseball figure, would say, if you come to a fork in the road, take it. So I’ve decided to take it.
And that means that after giving this a lot of serious thought, and talking it over with my family, I’ve decided to retire from the Boeing Company as of the end of April.
I’ve been told this comes as a big surprise to many of my friends and industry acquaintances, who tend to think of me as a kind of Energizer bunny. Well, as I’ve told them, you’ll be glad to know I still intend to keep going, and going.
What a long, strange trip it’s been – from cub analyst to Boeing blogger!
It’s just that now, the travels and adventures will be on my own time.
Not everyone gets to bow out at the peak of their game, so to speak. But I’m a firm believer in doing that if you can. I consider myself very blessed to have this opportunity – at the age of 58, and in good health. I think it’s the right choice for me at this point in my life and my career.
But it’s a tough, tough one, no doubt about it. I will very much miss being “in the game” and working and interacting with the thousands of friends, colleagues, and members of the media I’ve had the pleasure of meeting around the world.
It’s a good time for me to take this step, as well, because Boeing Commercial Airplanes is at a great point in its history, when the future does indeed look bright. Wonderful things are happening here and in our industry. We’re in the midst of an extended up-cycle. And I truly believe Boeing has the strongest products and services offerings that I can remember in my 33 years here.
Wow. 1974. Yes, Elton John was still rockin’ the pop charts that year. And it’s when I started working at Boeing. I landed my first job here as an air cargo market analyst. But I knew next-to-nothing about airplanes back then. In fact the first time I was ever on a jet airplane was later that year on a business trip!
Anyway, it’s been a long and winding road (and flight) since then. And lately I found I was asking myself more and more, “When are you gonna come down, when are you going to land?”
So I’m coming down for a landing, and looking forward to enjoying more time together with my wife, Linda, and our family and friends. Those of you who’ve met me might have guessed that I’m a “country boy” at heart. My plan is to settle into my cowboy boots, blue jeans, and flannel shirts, and stay closer to the ground (“I’m going back to my plough, back to the howling old owl in the woods ..”).
Of course, I’ll still be sticking around Boeing for the next couple of months, and continuing with the blog until then. I’ll have more to say in the coming weeks as to what happens next. Rest assured I won’t be leaving a void behind.
I’ve already begun discussions with our Leadership Team, and I’m confident we won’t miss a beat – as I ride off into the sunset. BCA will continue the great conversation both here in the blog, and out in the world of airplane marketing.
And in the meantime, I’ve finally decided my future lies “beyond the yellow brick road.”
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Comments (73)
You've made the right choice. Enjoy your retirement!
Posted on March 9, 2007 10:25
It is exceptionally sad to see that you will be leaving Boeing and heading off on your yellow brick road. I wish you all the best! You really did, and still do, fly the Boeing name high! You sure will leave your legacy behind! Well done for having a sterling run at Boeing - you did the company proud. I look forward to your last few Blogs, but sure will miss the original blogger from May on.
Posted on March 9, 2007 10:44
Congratulations and I hope to see you fly-fishing the Madison!
You have set a very high standard in your blog and there really hasn't been anything like it from the competition. I hope Boeing will continue to maintain those standards.
Posted on March 9, 2007 10:46
I have enjoyed reading your blog. I hope you start a personal blog to share your retirement adventures.
Posted on March 9, 2007 11:12
Congrats to your retirement, you will be missed and Boeing is left with the tuff job of filling your boots ( Cowboy boots that is ).
We thank you ( at least for the time here on the blogs ) for your insight and understanding of the great products that Boeing produces.
Enjoy your retirement.
Posted on March 9, 2007 11:15
Enjoy your retirement, Randy! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog this past while and wish you all the best for the future! Keep on keeping on...
Posted on March 9, 2007 11:46
Sad to see you go, but thanks for all the memories, stories and everything else you shared. Aviation people have a special love for their craft, profession or hobby; you made it better for all of us who read your blog every week with anticipation.
Posted on March 9, 2007 12:13
Good luck and I wish you a happy retirement. It was good to read your blogs. Take care!!!
Posted on March 9, 2007 12:21
It is a bittersweet moment. I am a huge fan of your blog. You will be missed.
Posted on March 9, 2007 12:58
It is sad to hear you will be leaving so soon but all the best for the future Randy. You have enjoyed a great career at Boeing and did the company proud.
I have really enjoyed reading your blog so thank you for your honest insights into everything happening at Boeing and beyond. You leave Boeing at an exciting time so I am sure you will really enjoy seeing the 787 come to life, along with all the other Boeing fans.
All the best for your retirement and good luck for your journey beyond the Yellow Brick Road………..
Posted on March 9, 2007 14:08
This is a big surprise to many of us who are big fans of yours. It's sad to see you leave. You will surely be missed by the aviation enthusiasts.
You are absolutely right that being able to retire and enjoy life is very important! I wish you the best in your upcoming adventure.
TAKE CARE!!!
Posted on March 9, 2007 14:24
Randy, Ive enjoyed reading your blogs for a time now. It is sad to see you go but im sure you deserve this. Take Care now.
Posted on March 9, 2007 14:47
Randy, I have enjoyed reading your blog a great deal. Thanks for having the guts to start this in the first place. I can only hope the person chosen to continue this adventure proves to be as good as you've been.
I hope the path you've now chosen takes you through many more wonderful experiences and personal fulfillment for yourself and your loved ones.
Cheers!
Posted on March 9, 2007 15:31
Randy, your love for aviation is obvious by the posts to your blog which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. We'll miss you over at the airliners.net forum!
Posted on March 9, 2007 17:07
Good Luck Randy. As with all the other Randy fans, I will miss you and your blogs too but not only that, I will miss your sense of fair play and graciousness to your competitor over the pond. We will all miss you over our fleetbuzz.com forum too.
Posted on March 9, 2007 17:57
Randy, thank you so much for writing such a great blog and I really love reading those stories. It's sad though to see you go and I'm sure that you will be missed. I wish you all the best with your retirement :-)
Posted on March 9, 2007 18:01
I am sorry to hear you are retiring Randy. Your contributions to this blog and your unique perspective of the problems related with the civil aviation will surely be missed a lot. However, I understand your decision and wish you the best. Nevertheless, I do hope to hear from you from time to time on this blog. Take good care of yourself man!!
Posted on March 9, 2007 19:26
Thanks for all the great work and we're going to miss you, Randy.
I only wondered why you're leaving before the Dreamliner makes its first flight, but if you keep waiting for the next big thing you'll never leave. Get out of there while you can, but not before leaving the blog in good hands! Thanks again, man!
Posted on March 9, 2007 19:52
Good luck on your retirement. Sad to see you go. I always enjoyed reading your blogs man. I work in the aircraft maintenance industry and your blogs gave me insights on where my career should go. Two engines, point to point philosophy. Makes sense here in China.
Posted on March 9, 2007 20:04
We will miss you!!!!!
On Behalf of all of your fans I would like to say thanks for not only the great Information but also for the fun times....... I wish you all the best for your retirement. Airliners.net will not be the same without your blog.
Have a good one and a cold one on behalf of all Boeing and Randy fans at Georgian College's Aviation Management Program.
Best of luck and may god bless you.
Posted on March 9, 2007 20:24
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication at Boeing. I am a Boeing fan at heart and I simply love what Boeing builds. It is amazing to see how Boeing turned itself around in situations where it's future looked grim or when critics became skeptical of a new product. I have read your blogs from time to time and simply enjoy reading them. Your legacy at Boeing will be remembered long after you've retired. Best of luck to your retirement.
Posted on March 9, 2007 21:34
Congratulations on your retirement, Randy, you put a personal face on Boeing for many of us who love airplanes.
Maybe they can use your help over at Quest aircraft in Sandpoint.
Best of luck.
Posted on March 9, 2007 22:02
It is sad to see you go, but you are right, it is a privilege to be able to leave when you are at the top.
Thanks a lot for bringing some sense and civility to the entire airplane marketing arena. Your blog entry published right after the announcement of A380 delay was stunning, in that you took the high road and showed the industry that you do not have to sell the weakness of your competition, rather sell your strengths.
You passion for aviation, I am sure will keep you close to Boeing and planes in general.
Have a stellar retirement.
Good Luck!
Posted on March 9, 2007 23:03
IF Only that other dude over at AB would do all of us a favor and retire...oh well, maybe he'll retire when the next A350XWBBBJUHYGF comes out LOL
Randy, you'll be missed. GO BOEING!!!!!
Posted on March 10, 2007 00:30
Randy, reading your blog has always provided a great insight into the developments at Boeing Co. and I think i speak for everyone, when expressing my hope that the blog will continue to update the aviation and enthusiast community in the future with the same professional manner you exhibited.
Personally, i would have liked to see you taking us all the way to first flight of the '87 but that is just me. I wish you a great retirement and maybe we will hear from you again if you should decide to put your career at Boeing and all your adventures into the format of a book ;-)
All the best!
Posted on March 10, 2007 00:34
Your blog has been great, and I hope someone else follows in your footsteps.
You have been a great ambassador for Boeing the globe over, and you will be sorely missed.
Enjoy your family time, you deserve it Randy :-)
Best wishes from all at FleetBuzz.com
Posted on March 10, 2007 01:06
God-speed Randy, may you live the happiest life. You have shown a lot of us what a great company Boeing is; that after all these years its still about people pursuing a dream.
Posted on March 10, 2007 01:49
Enjoy retirement, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your blogs! "All good things come to an end" - it seems so! Enjoy :) Your blog will be missed.
Posted on March 10, 2007 04:51
To say you will be missed is an understatement. Your blog has provided me with much information and enjoyment. The Boeing Company has quite a hole to fill.
Take care, good luck, and Godspeed.
Posted on March 10, 2007 05:21
Randy, it is sad to miss you. Frankly your blogs are great educational experience.
I intend to ask you about how Boeing is managing the global supply chain with hundreds of outsourcing suppliers. How you design, coordinate and execute this massive operation. The virtual rollout of 787 gave only a glimpse of this phenomenon. Can you tell us more.
Do you intend to write syndicated columns to any media?
Wish you a rewarding retirement.
Posted on March 10, 2007 05:41
I really enjoyed your blog for the past few years. I wish you all the best in your retirement!
But, I also sincerely hope that your retirement from Boeing doesn't mean the retirement from the blogging. Hope you'll continue to write your views about commercial aviation and other things as an individual.
Posted on March 10, 2007 05:59
I am a huge fan of your blog. I am sad to see you go. Good luck and I wish you a happy retirement.
Posted on March 10, 2007 06:59
Randy, you will be missed. The insight you provided was awesome. Your posts were always an interesting read! I wish you all the best!
Posted on March 10, 2007 07:06
Randy, congrats on your retirement. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. i actually check it everyday just to see if you have posted a new one. I enjoy the wealth of information, stories and data you provide. You have set very high standards for the next blogger.
Posted on March 10, 2007 07:29
Randy, best wishes as you begin a new chapter in your life upon retirement from Boeing. I have enjoyed reading your comments each week and will be looking forward to those remaining. They've been insightful, fun and informative. I'll echo what was said earlier in that I hope your sucessor brings the same enthusiasm to the job you have and will continue to share that through this blog.
Posted on March 10, 2007 07:31
Randy, you've been a wonderful man to know...at least through reading your blogs. May you have a wonderful retirement that you can cherish for the rest of your life. And I, on behalf of probably million others who have tremendously high respect for you too, are not really bidding you goodbye...we're just saying 'Take care buddy...we'll be around'!
Posted on March 10, 2007 07:51
I will miss you so much. You are one of the biggest persons in the World of Aviation, you started simple at Boeing, but that company believed in your potential and for many years until today you were in the front of the battlefield proving that Boeing is the best choice. And you won the battles and are still winning.
You made your army be stronger and stronger, and the ones that will continue the battle will continue being stronger because you led them pretty well, in the correct way.
Because of your accurate explainations I want to be a Boeing client soon.
I am proud to write this to you who are a Great Collaborator for a Better Aviation in the world!
Thank you Randy! Thank you forever!
Posted on March 10, 2007 08:05
Well Randy, it's about time. My list of chores (for you) is growing by the day. I will try to keep you as busy as you have been for the past 30+ years!
Congratulations, Jack & Laura
Posted on March 10, 2007 08:43
Great Work Sir,
In our religion we believe there is another phase of life after working hard...its the enjoyment phase. Now its time for you to enter that phase.
Regards and take care.
Posted on March 10, 2007 08:50
Thank you very much for maintaining this blog, it has been an extremely interesting and informative read over the past couple of years. I wish you all the best in your retirement.
Posted on March 10, 2007 09:12
Great news Randy! Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Thank you for making Boeing feel so accessable and down to earth for your industry colleagues around the world. You've started a good thing here.
Posted on March 10, 2007 09:31
Best of luck, and thank you for all the wonderful blog entries. I hope someone takes up the job of the entries, especially the interviews with the industry greats, hopefully we see an interview with you one day. Once again, Thank you, Best of luck and happy trails.
Posted on March 10, 2007 09:48
Really enjoyed your blog, giving an great insight into the world of aircraft manufacturing and the industry generally, without ever knocking the competition (the first rule of selling)
I will miss your blogs as the way you wrote them made one feel like being in the same room while they were being presented.
I retired at 57 in 1993 and recommend it........it usually guarantees a longer life and complete freedom to do exactly as one pleases!
I wish you all the best and hope future blogs will match your standard
Posted on March 10, 2007 10:54
What a way to retire, with the game changer B787 round the corner and B747 getting a new lease of life. You are retiring at the peak of your company after guiding it out of number 2 position. My best wishes!
Posted on March 10, 2007 11:42
Well its time to hang up the spurs, pack up the saddle, and enjoy life.
You've made a tremendous contribution to the understanding and insight of the Aviation business through your blog, and you should be damn proud of your efforts, BCA should also be very proud your success not only behind the keyboard but on the front lines.
You have raised the level of honesty and respect of BCA through your efforts, we can only hope your successor gains the same dedication and insight you have gained during your tenure.
Hook one for us all!
Posted on March 10, 2007 18:46
Thank you for such an interesting, educational, and provocative blog - for me, the best one on the net!
Reading your texts just strengthened my determination to apply to work Boeing. :-)
Though I am saddened that you are leaving Boeing, I am sure you will tremendously enjoy your retirement but will surprise us with opinion pieces from time to time.
Posted on March 10, 2007 18:52
I've always admired you, your blog, your company and your amazing products. Take care and enjoy your retirement.
Posted on March 10, 2007 19:45
Congratulations on your great career at Boeing.
You have set the bar high for the person who will replace you. You leave Boeing when they are once again on top of the industry. You have set the standard for showing grace and class and never attacking your major rival. I’m sorry to say your business rival can’t make the same claims. I know that you will have a success in retirement, as you have done in business. Best of good luck and God bless you.
Posted on March 10, 2007 19:57
Congrats on your Achievements. Aviation is a great Field especially when you enjoy your work.
Best Wishes for the Future.
Posted on March 10, 2007 22:02
Enjoy your retirement. Hopefully, after a few months you will start a blog of your own and let us have your insight on the "game" from the sidelines. Don't be away too long.
Posted on March 11, 2007 09:14
Congratulations Randy on a successful career. Your work has added tremendous value to Boeing's products and customers. Thank you for setting the standard in aerospace industry blogs for civility and professionalism while maintaining a competitive edge. Your articles helped us better understand the Boeing Company and its products. I believe many readers would like to learn more about this amazing company and its products. Details you employees may take for granted would be interesting to your readers.
I hope your successor will maintain the standard and follow your lead by making their personality a feature in their blog. Your Blog made it feel like we, the readers have met the Boeing Company personally. Thank you.
Posted on March 11, 2007 12:27
Randy, thanks for being a part of a company that builds such great airplanes. I hope that Boeing not only continues this blog, but that you continue to blog with us. Have a wonderful time in retirement with your family.
Posted on March 11, 2007 13:35
Randy, I have been a regular visitor to your blog and have loved every one of your posts. I love airplanes and working for the BCA is one of my dream jobs and your blog has made my dream come much closer to being reality. Thanks for everything and enjoy your retirement.
Posted on March 11, 2007 18:08
Sad to see you go, although I envy your retirement plans! I've enjoyed your column and have learned from the insightful discussion. PLEASE, do all you can to ensure that your sucessor continues the Journal; it is excellent.
Posted on March 12, 2007 09:03
Congrats Randy! More time now for Coug games and enjoying the Great Northwest! You deserve it!
Posted on March 12, 2007 11:47
4 engines 4 Early Retirement? I thought that was only meant for Airbus planes! You're way too young for that! Maybe you can use the extra 2 engines in your own Piper. Best wishes nevertheless and we will miss your blogs.
Posted on March 12, 2007 15:45
You are like a violin.
The music may play now and then, but the strings will remain forever.
Adios Amigos.
Posted on March 12, 2007 16:37
Over the past few years I have followed your blog constantly and it is sad to see this brilliant information leave from the public. Yea, maybe some were irrelevant or maybe awkward (In a funny sense), but overall, I really enjoyed your blog. Hopefully, when you cross the threshold into your retirement all will go well. Have a long life and may you prosper after Boeing.
Thanks for an extraordinary 33 years, especially the last few years,
P.S. I hope you note your life after Boeing, you make excellent blogs!
Posted on March 12, 2007 19:43
You Can't Quit On US Now...
You still got to see the 787 enter into service...
Heck, Randy you cannot retire until we see the A350 XWB fly into service ( which mean, we will have you INDEFINITELY )
Well, on that, I am willing to propose a bargain - You can only retire when the A380 finally enter airline service =)
I am just trying to humor you. But yes, you will leave a void that will be hard to fill.
Mabuhay ka! Is what I wish you on your retirement. Great Boeing guys don't retire, they just fly away.
Posted on March 12, 2007 20:10
Happy retirement. I really enjoyed reading your blog; a very informative counter-perspective to all this omni-present European propaganda floating around. I live in Germany, and you cant imagine how biased these state-run -so called "independent"- news television programs/stations are. Well, but Airbus being subsidized as it is, who can blame the respective governments for wanting to sell their products. Anyway... I hope you'll decide to continue your blog, in whichever form possible!
Posted on March 13, 2007 07:13
Outstanding performance in your blog...It will be hard to duplicate, but replace you should. Enjoy your new life.
Posted on March 13, 2007 09:14
Can't believe you're retiring from my dream(liner) job! Congratulations on your retirement, you will be sorely missed though. The aviation world needs more like you.
Posted on March 13, 2007 12:25
I was surprised to see you're retiring. 58 seems so young. I've never met you, but I feel like I know you.
I always looked forward to reading your comments each week. You put a face on Boeing and gave it a personality (a great one); most companies never do that. I'll miss it.
Its been fun watching Boeing come back, both with the 737, 787 and the 747-8 cargo and passenger versions. Boeing was clearly smarter than Airbus when it came to devising the correct strategies. I really wouldn't want to be Airbus right now - but all their problems are of their own making.
Someone needs to send your blog to Elton John - who knows, maybe he'd show up and sing something with "Yellow Brick Road" in the title at your retirement party.
Great job!!
Best Wishes.
Posted on March 13, 2007 17:47
Yes, like all the others who have left their words of appreciation, I too will be very sad to not check in on your musings and observations, which have provided much enjoyment over the last couple of years. I wish you all the best for your retirement.
Posted on March 13, 2007 19:44
Happy retirement Randy. You will be missed. Your blog has always been a pleasure to read because there was always something to learn especially how to observe, think and making comparisons.
Best wishes my friend.
Posted on March 14, 2007 00:59
Good Sailing in your life's new phase. If you're ever in the Philippines, 3 bottles of the finest Philippine beer will be on me.
Posted on March 14, 2007 20:34
Just to let you know that we at GE will miss you.
You have made some great contributions on the 777 and helped us succeed as a joint partnership. We only met once, at BFI next to one of the -200LRs during the world tour. I was privileged to also be on the record flight with Lars and others. What an airplane we made together. We can't build 'em fast enough today.
I support your plan, and can tell you I never met a retiree who regretted the decision. Also there are always good people ready to step up, it's one of the hallmarks of great companies.
Thanks for your blog. We read it constantly. When you are in the industry there is so much information swirling around, it is a real skill to distill it and present it clearly and concisely without talking down to the audience. I admired that skill in your presentation and tried to emulate it. I hope the next person will have the same facility with words and keep the blog going.
Posted on March 15, 2007 06:51
You might have paved the road for a new way of corporate communication, where a very smart, kind and skillful person gives a face and a heart to a huge corporation instead of a commitee of PR managers or some faceless press release.
The way you write is a pleasure to read about, being admirer of the company you work for and the products you make (especially the B757 and Dreamliner in my case).
I hope that you find in retirement the time to keep writing and changing the face of corporate communication, that way we as consumers will have a bigger loyalty to products we like or buy, and not only in the way of airlines who buy an airplane but in cars, consumer products, computer products, movies, music, etc. the industry need more people to give face to the great products.
Ve con Dios, amigo Randy and if you come by Baja you'll be welcome! :-)
Posted on March 18, 2007 20:58
Your blog always provided that special insight into the activites of Boeing and the airline industry in general. I am sure that you will be missed by Boeing and all of your fans. I always looked forward to reading you every week.
Best of luck in your retirement!
Posted on March 19, 2007 09:54
It has been a pleasure reading your journals over the years I've been with the company. You made some fascinating points and provided so much information about the commercial industry. I also enjoyed your continuous coverage of the 787 and the side by side comparisons with the giant A380. I am really looking forward to flying in one of our new planes in the future.
I hope you enjoy your retirement, and hope you stop by sometime and post some insight into your blog every once and awhile.
Good luck and farewell!
Posted on March 20, 2007 10:21
Your passion and love for your work is an inspiration to me and many other new hires at Boeing. Your blog has not only provided a great education on the airplane industry but also honest insight into the life of a Boeing executive. Congrats on retirement and Thanks for the blog!
Posted on March 20, 2007 10:23
I wish you all the best in the coming months, your blog has always interested me since I started reading it religiously a few months ago. As a big fan of the Boeing company it's nice to have someone "on the inside" share his perspectives and insights. It's been a pleasure reading your blogs and I hope you continue to write more when you have time. It been said that most people in our industry walk the earth with their heads turned skyward, it's where we've been and where we will always long to return. May you continue to soar in any of your future endeavors!
Good luck and enjoy retirement!
Posted on March 21, 2007 16:01
Sitting here in front of a computer screen in the SW London area (UK), all packed up and ready to return home to the USA tomorrow at the end of a lovely 3-week vacation in my 'homeland' I suddenly read that my old friend Randy has announced his retirement.
Congratulations Randy. I've really enjoyed reading your journal. Very objective and with just a little touch of humor. I'll miss it. Enjoy your retirement with your family as I have enjoyed mine with mine (12 years this year). We deserve it.
Posted on April 2, 2007 13:29
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