Williamson, Randall

By: Randall Williamson

In 1991. Scott Smith, an individual having close lies with the
folks at Alabama Outdoor Advertising (now Lamar
Corporation) created Outdoor Advertising Magazine
(OAM). At the time, he had the vision for it> success. Shortly
after its creation, actually less than a year (five issues) later, he decided to sell it. He had a firm price in mind and wouldn’t budge on it. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). I was consulting for small
businesses and looking for a new venture. I would offer individuals
my services at an hourly rate or make an öfter to purchase. I was very
impressed vv ith the format of the magazine and the people it was servicing.
I remembered serving as President of a professional association
(Instimte of Management Accountants (formerly National Association of Accountants)). The only director I lost was newsletter director. And I lost him at the last minute because his company
(then a "Big 6" accounting firm) transferred him to Atlanta. Georgia. I found myself scurrying to put together a four-page letter to our
members, a somewhat daunting task as I had to carry on my
responsibilities as President of the Association and perform my
duties as an employee of a large utility company in the
southeast.
I actually found I enjoyed putting together a newsletter
because it involved connecting with others and providing me an
opportunity to brush up on my written communication skills. I enjoy writing and I enjoy helping others. Long story short. I found a way to come up with the monies and met his price in 1992. I incorporated in 1995. (For those of you doing the math on our number of years. I "squeezed” out the months without an issue and determined when it would have begun if all months. and issues, were concurrent. The publication's 20 years will end with this one. its 120th issue).

The company I was working with was downsizing at the time of
incorporation and looking for ways to allow individuals to separate with less stress and a way to reduce expenses. They presented lucrative offers to individuals to leave for a period of three years. Both offers included three years with total benefits, one with a bonus percentage of your income and no right of return and one with a
guaranteed right of return only. Being an accountant and conservative at the time, you can guess which one I chose. I chose
...(drum roll)... the wrong one. short term; the right one for me. The outdoor advertising industry has blessed me and my family.
I thank each and every one of you. the readers, and the advertisers and members of the industry's professional association' lor your contributions and support over the years.

I remember the early years, when outdoor meant billboards and out-of-homc meant all else. It was a challenge to understand the definition of outdoor advertising...you know, third-party, off premise, but I must admit, my focus was on ensuring the publication was getting to the readers and that you were enjoying it.