Two weeks ago Insider wrote that Lamar Atlantic Regional Manager Robert Campbell and Gulf Coast Regional Manager Tom Sirmon are retiring this summer. Insider asked Campbell to reflect on his remarkable 49 year Lamar career.How did you end up at Lamar?
After college graduation I worked my way around the world as a deck hand on a commercial freighter . Upon returning I ran into a college friend who was working for Lamar at the time but was moving to Nashville. I interviewed with the legendary Gerry Marchand for the job and was hired.
You hired and trained dozens of managers during your time at Lamar. What’s advice do you have for a new hire looking to eventually become an out of home manager?
Successful people do what other people don’t do. My advice is to work harder than everyone else and take no shortcuts.
What’s a funny story about your time at Lamar?
Back in the early 1970’s I was the Posting Manager in Mobile. When we were short handed I had to post on the weekends. One Saturday in January it was cold and the wind was howling. I was posting a bleed poster ( no blanking paper) and I’d never posted a poster with sections that big. The wind got behind a section while I was trying to brush it out and wrapped around me like a cocoon. It took me 45 minutes to get untangled and off the structure. I never posted again.
You were involved with numerous acquisitions. What are some of the most important things to keep in mind going into an acquisition?
I would say that some important things to remember in on boarding an acquisition would be first to treat the incoming employees gently, with respect and dignity. Change is threatening and you need them to be at ease and helpful to the process. Additionally, do a thorough job on due diligence. The last thing you need down the road is an ugly surprise. When dealing directly with the seller, never speak negatively about his/her business. In most cases they’ve worked hard to build it. It’s a simple matter of respect.
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Congratulations on your retirement Robert. These are surely words to live by at work and in our personal lives. “Successful people do what other people don’t do. My advice is to work harder than everyone else and take no shortcuts.”
Congratulations on a grand and glorious run Robert. Fond memories of the days “when the world was young.”
As Senior often said, “living well is the best revenge.”
Congratulations Robert! You are the best! I miss you a lot! Have a grand time in retirement! Lots of love coming at you!