Randy Eller is as familiar a face throughout the home décor and gift industries as perhaps any single person. As someone who has accomplished the trifecta of the business – retailer, sales rep and vendor — he also knows the ins and outs of the industry as well as anybody, and better than most..

But if you’ve admired that big smile, seen that distinctive beard and heard that broadcast-worthy voice and believe you know Randy Eller, there’s so much more than meets the eye … or the ear.

Randy’s back story is classic. Of course, he had a paper route when he was 12 growing up in rural East Tennessee but as a young man he found himself in retailing making good money but without the personal satisfaction he was searching for. That’s when he started as a rep at the legendary Russ Berrie & Co., working for the man who was one of his business mentors.

Again, he grew restless, wanting more, so when Bob Kirkland (another one of his mentors) asked him to come work at CBK, Randy took the job…and a pay cut. But he also took the chance to do more —  and earn more — and it paid off. In a few short years, he moved from salesperson to CEO and second largest equity holder in the company after Mr. Kirkland retired.  It was all about weighing the risk versus the reward, an equation that has remained key to his business philosophy throughout his career.

At CBK he rose to the top and then, he, Mr. Kirkland, and the other partners arranged for the sale of CBK. That’s when he decided to go into business for himself as an industry consultant.

Today Randy and his wife – and right-hand-woman – Vicki travel the country and the industry working for their clients. Eller Enterprises is based in Sorrento, FL where Randy and Vicki live and work. “It’s been a great life,” he says. “I wouldn’t change a thing.”