Randy Derheim:
CLASS OF 1977
Lake Benton High SchoolClass of 1977
Lake benton, MN
Randy's Story
After graduating from LBHS in '77 I entered the Navy and spent 2 1/2 glorious years "suffering for my country" in Bermuda. My job entailed monitoring Russian submarines (remember the cold war?) which was interesting. Needless to say, lying on the beach in February was nice too!
I enlisted in the Navy during the fall of '76 so I could get over Joan Kuhn breaking up with me. (kidding, I'm a real patriot!) While in the Navy, I got into music having been exposed to so many new cultures and personalities from the U.S. who I was stationed with. I became a "club dj" and got swept up in the disco era. Bermuda was a prime spot for Spring Break for Ivy League schools. We often would work all day, party all night, sleep on the beach and do it again the next day. There were periods in-between when I performed my job too.
After returning to the states in '81, I entered Brown Institute (now Brown College) in Minneapolis for Broadcasting. This vocational education landed me a job at KLOH/KISD Radio in Pipestone thanks to a referral from John Veire (LBHS '76) who told me Wally Christensen was hiring. I enjoyed my experience in Pipestone and a brief stint as "Randy Lee" on the radio.
In the fall of '84 I became employed with Citibank in Sioux Falls. The next 21 years would be spent in a variety of positions including a three-year (90-93) stay in New York City. I had the privilege of helping shape the credit card industry which we all know and love (?) today.
I met my lovely wife Pam at Citibank. We've been married 20 years (September '90). Pam is the CEO of Software Unlimited. The company produces software which school business managers in 7 states use for their day-to-day business needs. We have a spoiled Cocker Spaniel, Waverly (12).
Pam's dad is Bill Janklow. I'm proud of Bill's accomplishments and his service to South Dakota. Many of you may know the rest of his story which I don't need to repeat. In our marriage, Bill served 8 years as Governor and a short span as South Dakota's Congressman. I have had the honor and privilege to meet both George & George "W" Bush, Bill Clinton (twice), Bob Dole and a cast of other political characters. We routinely traveled to events around the country and had a blast doing so. Annual Republican Governor events featured celebrities and performers whom we got to get up close and personal with. Many of the highlights o...Expand for more
ccured in South Dakota with annual trips to the Governor's Pheasant Hunt and Buffalo Round-Up in Custer State Park.
Sometime in late 2002 I was golfing and smoking cigars and was approached about an investment opportunity in a yet-to-be-built restaurant. I didn't immediately say no, but needed to clear this with my wife (naturally!). A short time later, I was approached again and we (Pam & I) had a weekend to decide whether to invest in a new restaurant "Foleys" to be opened in Sioux Falls. The rest is history.
In the fall of 2005, I had an opportunity to leave Citi compliments of some corporate downsizing. I volunteered to go after being asked by my partners to join them in the Foleys venture and another property we operate in Sioux Falls called Callaway's. Since we began our partnership we have opened another property called tre lounge. Each is a great place. We employ 150 people and work hard every day to make dining & entertainment fun. My official position is entitled Sales & Marketing, but I do what ever I need to do to make sure we're successful. I'm not immune to clearing tables!
I have a few passions. I remain a huge music fan going back to my DJ years. I listen to all types and genres and have an extensive collection of CDs and still pull out some vinyl once in a while. In the summer, you can find me on the golf course. (as shown by my picture from the summer of '07). I also enjoy taking care of our property and a bit of a neat freak when it comes to our yard.
I have enjoyed staying in touch with classmates over the years including one of my best buddies from LBHS '77 - Rick Anderson. I've also enjoyed contact with many others and mourn the early passing of Pete Weber, Betty Drietz, Bryan Sorenson and Randy Petersen.
My family is spread throughout the United States. Sister Cindy (LBHS '78) is in northern Minnesota (Askov), brother Jim (LBHS '82) is in Sarasota, Florida during the winter and spends the remainder of Spring, Summer & Fall in Europe. The twins graduated from Brandon after my parents moved from LB. Brian is in San Diego and Barry is in Brandon, SD.
My parents are alive and doing well. We are blessed to have great friends and enjoy making new memories each day. I consider my years in LB to be the best of my life and a true foundation for the husband, business man and person I am today.
I would enjoy hearing from you.
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