Kmart: We Had It ... And We Had It Good.

In one five minute conversation, 17 years came to a close. Friday, August 24, 2007 wrapped up the final chapter in my association with Kmart. It's a moment that had been many years in the making, yet was avoided as long as possible.

I started my career at Kmart store #9548 in Henderson, NC. It was my first job. At 16 years of age, I was eager to perform at a high level. I was one of those rarities -- a kid who loved coming to work. An oddity as well -- I became a little overly loyal to the home of the flashing blue light special.

My career spanned many store locations. A vehicle which helped put me through High School and college, Kmart afforded me the opportunity to transfer from city to city. First Garner, then back to Henderson, to Raleigh, to Greensboro, then back to Raleigh again.

I briefly flirted with leaving "The Savings Place" when the Henderson store closed in 1995. Ultimately, after about a month off, I chose to stay. While I didn't really know why I was staying at the time, God had bigger plans.



I started working at Kmart #7226 on New Bern Avenue in early June of 1995. It was there I discovered the most important benefit SS Kressge Company ever provided me -- it introduced me to the love of my life -- my wife, Hannah.

Merely 17 years old at the time, Hannah and I began dating in September 1995. At 21, and in college at UNC Greensboro, a two year long distance relationship began. What helped keep it together? Kmart. In those next two and a half years, I came back to Raleigh to work at 7226 -- making frequent trips for kisses, hugs and well ... we can't tell you everything that happened in Lay-a-Way. ;)

What had started with a "Hello, Hannah" the first time I ever saw her standing in front of Register #3, turned into a life-long unity in marriage in 2001.

That one fringe benefit has continued to reap rewards even to this day. Three children later, how important was it to stay with Kmart? You couldn't have put a price on it.

After leaving UNC Greensboro in December 1997, I began a full-time stint. First, a promotion to Department Manager of Consumables, then six weeks later as Sporting Goods Manager. Less than three months later, I was promoted yet again to Frontend Manager. It was at that time I joined WPTF News as a reporter.

Doing double-duty, I managed to stay full-time with the company while following my passion for broadcasting. Less than a year later, I found my true calling -- Human Resources.




Again, Kmart was paving the way -- building a foundation for my future. After nine months as HRM at the New Bern Avenue location, I was promoted again. This time to HR Manager for Super Kmart Center. A nearly $60 million dollar store at the time, with 300+ employees, it was indeed a challenge for me. Only 25 at the time, it was a post I would hold less than three months before being promoted again.



I began working as the Human Resources Market Recruiter in May 2000. It was the ultimate pinnacle in my Kmart career. I enjoyed the new challenge covering stores in three different districts from Greensboro to Fayetteville, Raleigh and Durham.



By the summer of 2001, things had begun to change. Mismanagement at the top of the company was driving the 100-year-old retailer into bankruptcy. None of us knew it at the time.

People started being fired. Left and right, people who had been at Kmart for a generation were being replaced with WAL-MART replicas. The beginning of the end came when I was asked to comprise a list of all WAL-MART store managers and district managers east of I-77 in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

It was obvious what was happening. There are unconfirmed figures that two-thirds of Kmart's District Managers were fired and replaced primarily with WAL-MART people. Other unconfirmed figures placed half of Kmart's store managers receiving the ax.

I watched helplessly as a Store Manager with eight months left before retirement was terminated. My District Manager -- a man whom I respected and had promoted me twice -- was terminated after 30+ years with the company.

After September 11, 2001 -- I knew something had to give. I had dreamt of becoming an anchor/reporter for my entire life. Yet, Kmart was standing in the way of that dream.

So it was on October 3, 2001, I stepped down from my position. Unbeknownst to me, it was probably the wisest career move to date. After turning in my resignation, I couldn't eat or sleep for three or four days.

I had worked out an agreement to stay on board part-time at the Cary location. I began my full-time transition to evening anchor and reporter at WPTF. Kmart again became my "safety net."

By Christmas of 2001, things were bleak. I remember knowing something wasn't right. Stock had dropped to lows I had never seen. The mismanagement was showing ever more clearly. While my focus was on WPTF, my loyalty and heart still belonged to Kmart.

By early January, things were very ominous. Stock was under $3 a share. Top executives were very quiet. Then, the talk of bankruptcy emerged. I would have never dreamed a company with 2,100 stores nationwide would have to resort to such a measure.

Then, the death knell was sounded. Kmart missed a $78 million dollar payment to its food and consumables vendor, Flemming. That was it. Flemming cut Kmart off until it made good on the payment.

I laid down my head one mid-January night in 2002, knowing the next day would be different. When I opened my eyes the next morning, I already knew. It was on my mind when the light hit my eyes. "We've filed bankruptcy." I didn't have to see the headlines. My heart already knew it.

I logged onto the computer that morning. There, on Yahoo! News was the headline "Kmart Files Chapter 11." History was made. I wept.

Silly to think I could remain loyal. But, I did. I cared deeply about many friends and colleagues which were left.

From 2001 to 2003, I worked at the Cary location doing pretty much whatever they needed me to do about twice a week. Once I joined Lowe's as Human Resources Manager, I cut back my time to roughly once a week.

In May 2003, Kmart emerged from Bankruptcy. Hedge fund Billioniare Eddie Lampert had purchased millions in Kmart debt, and essentially became the largest single shareholder in the retailer.

Kmart had already closed nearly 300 store locations. Eddie forced them to close another 300 before officially returning the company to a public traded instituion, this time on the NASDAQ as Kmart Holding Corporation.

Lampert begin selling off the most profitable Kmart stores. He increased his position in Sears. Ultimately, I already knew what he was trying to achieve. He was seeking to merge the two century-old American icons together.

While Lampet continued his strategy, I had to watch from afar. Lowe's was increasingly taking up more and more of my time. By mid-2004, my predictions came true. The merger was announced. I was, admittedly excited. (Quick fact: Kmart BOUGHT Sears. Not the other way around.) I really believed that maybe, just maybe, Kmart's white knight had come. The merger, I believed, would strengthen both companies.



Wall Street saw it differently. Lampert wasn't investing cash into stores. Instead, investors believed the real reason he owned both companies was not to continue to run them as retailers, but rather to turn their real estate value into an investment hedge fund like Warren Buffett did with Berkshire-Hathaway.

Sadly, I started to become disillusioned. I was extremely happy at Lowe's. I still am. Yet, Kmart was my foundation. My first job. I was finally having to slowly realize the Kmart I was a part of for so many years, was gone.

By 2005, multiple areas of my life needed more attention. There was less and less room for trips to Cary. I was living in Wake Forest, after all. It took 30 minutes to get there from work -- another hour to get home. But, why was I still there? I couldn't let it go.

At first, I just wanted to reach one more milestone: 15 years with Kmart. And I did. When I was handed a 15-year plaque and lapel pin, I remember a flood of emotions running over me. Unfortunately, one of my first thoughts also was "I made it. I survived." Many of my former colleagues didn't make it to another milestone.

With 15 years in hand, I knew it would be almost impossible to make it to another one. 20 just seemed to far to go. My time had dwindled to working about once every three or four weeks.

By 2006, I simply didn't have hardly any time on my hands. My third daughter was to be born in November. I watched more of my colleagues be shown the door. Many had 20+ years with the company. Yet, I stayed. I believe I worked a total of six or seven days that entire year.

In November, I was transferred to the Wake Forest Lowe's location. One of my first thoughts: there would be no way to keep it up with Kmart. Driving 30 minutes from work was one thing. But to drive an hour to Cary, and an hour back -- it was becoming increasingly impossible.

I worked New Year's day of 2007. After a call four months later from the HR/Office Manager there, I was told either I had to start working more -- or be terminated. I just couldn't do it. I was going to give it one more shot. My last night was in May. Pretty uneventful. The store was in shambles. There was no one to do the work that was required to maintain the store standards.

I left that night not knowing it was my last. I did, however, know that the end would come soon.

For the next few months, I struggled with letting go. No, I didn't need Kmart anymore. It had given me so much. It was more than a paycheck. It was a family. Unfortunately, that family was broken up multiple times over. Still, with all I had achieved -- with all that the foundation Kmart had helped me build -- I didn't want to place that final nail in the coffin.

How could I? It was my first job. I met my wife there. It paved the way for my career. It helped mold me into the person I am. I hadn't left Kmart. But, the Kmart I knew left me a long time ago.

Finally, a telephone call from the HR/Office Manager to me at Lowe's on Friday brought it all to a close.

It wasn't fair to keep them in an awkward position. Even though I didn't want to go -- it was time to stop the long goodbye. I told them it was okay to terminate me. Sissy, the HR/Office Manager and I talked for about five minutes. I told her how it wasn't fair to hold them up like this -- yet I just didn't want to say goodbye. With a few keystokes, I sent her my resignation.

Now most people don't end a job drawing it out like me. Then again, most people don't still have their first job 17 years later -- or meet their wife there -- or create an emotional bond.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad I had the opportunity to work for Kmart. Sure, many other retailers have come along and made many to question why there is even a need for Kmart. And -- they are probably right. Chances are, Kmart won't be around in a few years. I look at my daughters today -- and they no nothing about the glory days of Kmart.

They will never know the joy it was to get a Popcorn from that hot air popper, and a Blue Raspberry ICEE. Kmart will more than likely become a line in Americana. When we look back through the lens of history, we will see the blue light special as we did A&P, Montgomery-Ward, and G.C. Murphy.

I, of course, don't have to look to the past to realize the future Kmart provided for me. A foundation -- a wife -- a family. A jingle in the mid-80s said "Kmart: We've got it -- and We've Got It Good." It wasn't the best grammar. It did, however, stick out in my mind.



Looking back, I'll always remember and cherish this long, storied chapter in my life. Regardless of what happens to Kmart in the future, I'll always remember how good I had it -- and how good I still do.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

THE SWEETEST WORDS

There are moments in your life that remain in your heart forever. One of those is when she says "I do." Another is the sound of your baby's first cry. Fathers always seem to become animated when their children speak for the first time.

And for years and years since babies have been born, probably 98.9% of the time a baby's first words are always "Da-Da." It's happened with our two previous children. Now, add my latest born to the list.

While on vacation in Boone this past weekend, my sweet little Twilight, Catherine Grace, uttered her first words. Now, you have to consider the problem with this: she's only eight months old. My other children haven't spoken quite this early. But ... there she was, uttering a proud father's favorite two words from a baby.

At first, I wasn't sure. It was late evening, and my eldest daughter and I had gone for a walk around the campground of Julian Price Memorial Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I carried Catherine on my shoulders in a baby back-pack. We stopped for a brief moment of rest. As we got back up to walk -- I heard it for the first time: "Da-Da."

Instantly, I gravitated to the words. "She said it." I thought to myself. "But -- maybe it was just babble." Naturally, I began to attempt to get her to say it again. "I love you. Can you say Daddy? Da-dd-y? Come on, baby, say Daddy."

Well, the more I talked, the quieter she got. So, Caitlyn and I stopped for one last rest before heading back to camp. Again, right before we got up, I heard her say it again "DA-DA!"

Confident, and full of pride, we headed back to camp where I proclaimed "Folks, I know you're not going to believe this -- but -- we have our first words. She said Da-Da."

Now, this always comes as a blow to any mother. "Yeah, Right." said my beautiful wife. Well, we just sat around the campfire for a little while -- and there she spewed off those beautiful consenants and vowels again! "Da-Da."

I ran up and kissed her -- praising her. She lit up with delight as she recognized how much attention she was getting. So again and again she started to repeat it. "Da-Da." And .... again and again she got praised.

And there you have it my friends: the precious first words of my third born child. Yep. She's a Daddy's girl. They all are.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

SHRADE-DAWG AT HIS BEST

Okay ... This is CLASSIC Brian Shrader. This clip is absolutely hilarious.


Shrader and I go way back to the days at WPTF. You have to wonder, however, if Shrader has missed his real calling -- comedy. If there is ever an opening at FOX's "The 1/2 Hour News Hour" -- I say Shrader jumps the WRAL ship.

Now if we only had KRAP-4.com again. Ahhhh ... those were the days!

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

Action News 5 Still Lives.

When people find out I'm a former News Anchor and Reporter, there are usually two questions that come up: (1) Why did you get out of the business? and (2) Why did you go into it?

Well -- the short answer to the first question is this: Money & Family. Being a News Anchor and/or reporter is always taxing on family life. In addition, unless you're really, really, really good -- and willing to start out in places like Florence, SC and stations in Montana -- then you're not going to get paid very much.

The answer to the second question? That usually takes a little longer to explain. Check out this clip from WRAL-TV 5 News on November 28, 1988. I've always considered some of my best work Breaking News. This clip I recorded on that day in 1988 (one of my friends now has the tapes -- which I wished he'd return). I still get goose bumps when I watch the beginning of this newscast.

It starts with a young 27-year-old Donna Gregory (now at MSNBC) and transitions to a stellar field anchoring job by the WRAL icon, Charlie Gaddy.

This tragedy -- and broadcasting's impact on bringing a community together is why I got in the business. And ... it's videos like this one that make me cherish the opportunity I had to live my dream.

Enjoy!

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Editor's Note: I've been preoccupied with some things recently. I'll be getting back to daily blogs very soon!
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SHE REMEMBERED.

(Raleigh, NC) Former CNN and WRAL-TV "Action News 5" Anchor Bobbie Battista.

The older I get, the more complete my life becomes. Sure, I have the most beautiful and downright sexy wife in at least fourteen states -- and I have three absolutely adorable daughters. And for me, life couldn't be more perfect.

Less than two weeks after the birth of my third daughter, Catherine Grace, I was invited to attend the WRAL Reunion newscast by my friend and broadcasting mentor, Tom Suiter.

At first, I thought he was joking. This was something that I had daydreamed about for years. Kind of like a Southern Baptist "Homecoming" at church -- I always dreamed of a reunion of sorts for the lengends of the old Action News 5 team.

Tom wasn't joking, of course. More heartfelt was being told by this icon I was the "first person" he thought of when they told him about the reunion newscast.

That's the great thing about Tom Suiter -- he has always championed the little guy. Tom has been more than kind to me over the years. He is a big reason that I pursued my passion for news and broadcasting in the manner I did. I credit him with much of the enthusiasm I had, and helping me channel the energy I had for the business in a more positive fashion. (You see, I was often the outcast in junior high and high school. I annoyed the absolute crap out of just about everyone when it came to my WRAL fetish.)

Still, Tom showed an extreme amount of patience with me throughout the years. I'm sure he became annoyed as well with my over indulgence and exuberance. Being the professional he was, Tom still put up with me -- even to the point of letting me intern on WRAL's Football Friday for three different seasons.

Tom's kindness means more to me than many will ever know. He is really a humble guy. Being invited to this function meant more to me than going to meet practically anyone. These were the legends. They were my heroes. Tom knew that. He would probably cringe at this -- but -- he too, is one of those heroes.

So, how did I become so insanely crazy over a local television news team, anyway? Well ... it starts more than 25 years ago. The "News People" -- Charlie Gaddy, Bobbie Battista, Bob DeBardelaben, and Tom Suiter were the stars of Action News 5.

These anchors appeared larger than life to almost anyone. In a small town like Henderson, their star power was only magnified. Sprinkle that on top of an impressionable child all of 5 or 6 years old -- and you have in the makings something that made these people more recognizable and important than any movie star of the time could dream of being.

I remember every evening sitting on my Dad's lap -- enjoying the early evening lineup of "The Andy Griffith Show," and "Gomer Pyle USMC." Then came the real treat -- Action News 5. At an early age, my heart melted for Bobbie Battista. The blond was a bombshell to me. I lived for seeing the 6 o'clock news more than I did my favorite cartoon -- Scooby-Doo!

Then, the unthinkable happened. My Dad came home one evening to tell me the news. I remember it. Honest to God! I remember it like it was yesterday -- "Son, I've got some bad news." We were in the Kitchen. I remember asking him "What?" He told me "Bobbie Battista is leaving channel 5."

At first, I didn't believe him. Forget the fact I was only 7 years old. I just simply thought it was a joke. Finally, reality set in. Silly as it may have seemed, I started to cry. You know, even though she was heading to CNN -- no one knew what that was in 1981. In my mind, I would never see her again. You could have told the biggest Elvis fan the King was dead and not gotten a bigger sense of loss from them as I had that day.

Little did I know how things were about to change in a big way.

My Aunt happened to work at the Wake County Courthouse and regularly fielded calls from Reporters about different court cases. One day after announcing she was leaving, my Aunt received a call from Bobbie inquiring about one of those cases.

After helping her, she asked her if she had a minute to share something with her. She told her how devastated I was over her leaving WRAL. Obviously touched, or just simply trying to be a good TV Personality, she suggested my Aunt bring me by to meet her before she departed for Atlanta.

I'll never forget rushing from Henderson to Raleigh the evening of Bobbie's final WRAL newscast. We met my Aunt, who had purchased two long-stemmed red roses for me to give to Bobbie.

Off to the races, I remember waiting in the lobby of WRAL's Western Boulevard studios during the 6 o'clock news. After it's conclusion, I saw the others leave one-by-one -- Charlie Gaddy, Bob DeBardelaben. Finally, she appeared.

A rush of emotions came over me. Obviously awe-struck, I clammed up. Go figure. Shyness overtook me and I simply didn't utter but a few words here and there.

Remarkably, Bobbie crouched down to look at me on my level. She talked to me asking me who knows what all. I gave her the two roses. Ever the humble, gracious host, I remember her laughing with my Mom and Aunt.

Finally, it was time to go. I ran to the door. To my shock and surprise, Bobbie crouched back down opened up her arms and said "Come give me a Kiss."

Now, folks, let's think about this -- Bobbie Battista was -- in my eyes -- a superstar. She was larger than life. A bigger fixture than Catherine Bach in Daisy Dukes. More beautiful to me than Farrah Faucette, Jacqueline Smith, or Linda Carter. And here she was, arms open allowing me to plant one on her.

Shy that I was, there was no way I was going to pass that up. I ran back to her and kissed her on the cheek. Probably red as a beet, I remember the laughs and the "Awwww" that I heard from Bobbie, and the few people around.

That small encounter in 1981 would have a profound impact on the direction my life would take going forward. I never lost my love for the news. I especially never lost my love for WRAL.

So, in 1989, when Tom Suiter was flying in on Sky 5 to then Vance Senior High School, I made sure I was in a place to meet the "Legend." Tom would help cultivate my interest even further in broadcasting. I'd love to share that story here -- but -- it'll have to wait for another post.

Fast-forward to November 17, 2006. I return to the Western Boulevard studios and sit in the all new digital WRAL newsroom. About 15 minutes before the "reunion" newscast, I again became awe-struck. There they were -- for the first time in 25 years -- Charlie Gaddy and Bobbie Battista reading over their scripts for the special newscast.

I soaked it in. Every bit. Over on the other side of the studios, in the WRAL Weather Center, the venerable "Biggest Name in Weather" -- Bob DeBardelaben was looking around. A lot had changed in the 17 years after Bob retired. There was no "Doppler 5000." A "Viper?" What's a "Viper?" Heck, when Bob retired, color radar hadn't been out that long.

Then, two minutes to six, the legends walked over. Charlie and Bobbie, side by side, IFBs in place -- a producer making sure Bobbie's was firmly taped to the back of her jacket -- watching and listening as Pam Saulsby (Gaddy's last "TV wife") wrapped up the 5:30 edition.

After a montage of clips of Action News 5, the familiar 21st century "WRAL News" opener started. And there they were: "Good Evening, I'm Charlie Gaddy." "And I'm Bobbie Battista."

I swear to you, I had chill bumps. Was I dreaming? Did Jim Goodman really pull off something I had simply dreamed of during boring lectures at UNCG and biology classes in High School?

Wrapping up the newscast, new met old as current members of the WRAL News team stood behind the legends to close out this special. Afterwards, I managed to take some candid shots and capture some video footage of these legends talking with the people in the newsroom.

Once we made it over to the reception afterwards, I captured some more shots. Then finally, when things had settled down a bit, I made my way over to Bobbie.

25 years later, I wanted to thank her for taking the time to meet a 7 year old child. I especially wanted to let her know how she had helped me develop an efection for the news -- and give her some credit for helping me become successful.

I shared with her my story. With a glowing smile, she said "I remember that!" She remembered. Bobbie Battista, one of the original anchors of CNN, a WRAL Legend, and a hero of my childhood said she remembered me coming as a child on her final newscast -- and the roses.

Whether she did or not, I'll never know for sure. Later on, however, when I came back to ask for a picture with her, she began telling everyone at her table of me giving her the roses. Flattered, I probably blushed a little.

With her husband snapping the camera for me, she wished me well, and I thanked her for her gracious nature again. Tom walked me out, and that was it.

I walked away from WRAL awe-struck once again. As I reflected on things, it hit me how fortunate I am. I've lived my dream. I became what even teachers in High School said I would never become. I anchored and reported news in the 43rd largest radio market in the country.

There are many people who "dream" of doing something. They may even go to school and get a degree to help them achieve that dream. Unfortunately, many never even get close to it.

My dream was to be a news anchor and reporter. I did it. I lived my dream. I did it with help from people like Tom Suiter. When other kids were focused on what to wear and what date they were going on Friday night, I was reciting phony news scripts in the mirror of my bedroom.

And -- it paid off. Life has only gotten better through time. I'm married to a beautiful, beautiful woman who loves me and I cherish very much. My three daughters are my life. I love them with every fiber of my being. I love the career change I made -- moving into Human Resources -- and I never really look back on broadcasting. It's not something I have to prove to myself anymore.

I feel as if I am living the good life. And -- to top it all off -- I got to relive a part of my childhood that put me where I am today. That is both humbling, and exciting all at the same time.

To top it all off -- Bobbie Battista, WRAL Legend -- She remembered.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

GOODBYE, MAX.

"You don't want the federal government to be your first-responders. The government can't do everything for people and it shouldn't, or else you create a culture of dependence." -- Outgoing National Hurricane Center Head Max Mayfield

Max Mayfield is ending his tenure as head of the National Hurricane Center. There are rarely few people that are heralded in Public Service the way this calm, resolute man has been.

There for us during some of the most active Hurricane seasons the last few years, Mayfield exemplified a professionalism that every American could appreciate.

His warnings 48 to 72 hours out before Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast fell on deaf ears. Still, 12 hours before landfall, Mayfield made one last ditch push to the Governor of Louisiana to warn of the impending doom to New Orleans.

Still resolute in his predictions, Mayfield faced red tape from all levels of local and state government. He would later say that final phone call had to be made before he put his head down at night. I recall an interview in which Mayfield wanted to make sure he had done everything possible to avoid as much death and destruction that was sure to be forthcoming.

In the days after the disaster, Mayfield was the one person that was immune from the finger pointing. He was virtually the only person government officials were praising. It was with good reason.

Now, Mayfield can leave the post he's held while still raising the flag of impending doom. In an article (link below) Mayfield warns of the resistance of builders, residents, and local governments to prepare for a larger disaster than Katrina.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-hurricane3jan03,0,3253020.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Mayfield believes this will happen somewhere in the Southeastern US within the next 10-20 year active Hurricane cycle the Gulf and Atlantic is experiencing. The dire prediction by Mayfield: 10 times the number of deaths that Katrina heralded.

Residents of all Coastal states owe a great deal to Max Mayfield. He truly embodied what public service should be.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com