Tina and Randy Powell

Twenty-five years after meeting at Sheridan, Tina and Randy Powell returned to the college to walk the halls and reminisce. As luck would have it, several of their favourite instructors recognized them and they chatted about the “good old days”.

In the years since they last walked Sheridan’s halls, Tina and Randy have managed to build an impressive list of accomplishments worth celebrating. Bestselling children’s author Tina will travel to 10 U.S. cities next year to promote her latest book. Randy’s award-winning company, Armstrong Group, will be running a VIP hospitality train for the duration of the 2010 Olympics. To top it off, the couple marked their silver wedding anniversary this past summer.

Sheridan Business School Hall of Famer, Randy is President and CEO of Armstrong Group which owns the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer Trains. Featuring a series of four different luxury train journeys through the Canadian Rockies, the Rocky Mountaineer won the prestigious “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” at the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years. “To be the best in the world at something is quite an honour,” says Randy. “But through our exceptional customer service, we earn it every day. It truly is a spectacular vacation. I took one trip on the Rocky Mountaineer and I knew I had to run this organization.”

In his 25 year career, Randy has held many exciting leadership positions. Prior to joining Armstrong Group in 2007, Randy was President of Maple Leaf Fresh Foods, President & CEO of Second Cup Coffee Company, and President of S.C. Johnson and Sons, Canada. By 31 years of age, he was a Vice President at Campbell Soup Company.

Tina spent years as a journalist, advertising copywriter and children’s author, before launching her own publishing company, Big Fat Pen Publishing Inc., in 2004. Her U.S. promotional tour next year will feature her latest book, Fernando's Fun-tastic Friends. As part of a partnership with Boar’s Head Provisions (a U.S. manufacturer of premium delicatessen products), Tina will be visiting schools that participate in the American Diabetes Association’s Walk for Diabetes program, which Boar’s Head supports.

This is the second time Tina has partnered with Boar’s Head. “The positive messages in my books fit well with the company’s commitment to promote healthy lifestyles,” says Tina. Several of her books have been modified and republished as promotional giveaways for companies such as Canada Bread and Procter & Gamble.

Although she has traveled throughout North America promoting her books, Tina still feels connected to Sheridan. “To this day, I still reflect upon and utilize what I learned at Sheridan. It will always hold a special place in my life and in my heart.”