After 35 years of hard work, countless memories and more than a few gray hairs, Randy Ladner is preparing to retire from the Port of Gulfport. Sitting down for a heartfelt chat, Randy shared stories from his decades on the job, stories of change, challenge, growth and pride in the place he’s called his work home since 1990.
From the job site to the docks
Before joining the Port, Randy was in construction, building homes and apartments in Gulfport and other areas. It was solid work, but not always steady. Weather delays, unpredictable paychecks and the physical grind made him look for something more reliable.
When he landed the job at the Port, it was a whole new world.
“I remember stepping in and seeing machines I’d never seen before,” Randy said with a chuckle. “There was this one piece of equipment that was totally unique; I still haven’t seen anything like it since.”
He remembers that first day well — not because anything dramatic happened – but because it marked such a big change in his life.
Randy didn’t waste any time making his mark. Within a few years, he moved into management and has been leading teams in operations, construction and maintenance ever since.
The transition from swinging hammers to managing crews wasn’t always easy, but his construction background gave him a solid foundation. And the people around him helped too.
“I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of great folks over the years,” he said. One person who really stands out is Milton Boswell, an electrician who took Randy under his wing early on. “Milton taught me so much, stuff you just don’t learn from a book.”
Today, Randy is returning the favor by mentoring a new employee, helping them navigate the technical side of the job and the day-to-day responsibilities that come with working at the Port.
Weathering the storm — literally
Ask Randy about the biggest change he’s seen at the Port, and he doesn’t hesitate: Hurricane Katrina.
“When Katrina hit, it wiped out just about everything. Buildings, equipment, you name it,” he said. “But what came after was incredible — rebuilding, growing, changing the way we do business.”
After the storm, Randy shifted away from crane work and focused more on rebuilding and maintaining the Port’s buildings and infrastructure. It was a turning point in his career and in the Port’s history.
Over the years, technology has transformed the way things operate. From manual light switches to fully automated systems, Randy has been right in the middle of it all. One of his latest projects is retrofitting every Port building with energy-efficient LED lighting, a move that saves money and cuts down on maintenance.
“It’s all part of keeping things moving forward,” he said. “You can’t get stuck doing things the old way forever.”
Still, Randy admits he has a soft spot for the old-school equipment, especially the “catenary digger,” a one-of-a-kind machine built in Gulfport.
“That thing was amazing,” he said. “I just wish I still had the photos and videos of it. Katrina took a lot of that history with it.”
A culture that feels like family
While the equipment and buildings have changed, the Port’s culture is what Randy cherishes most.
“It’s always been laid-back and friendly,” he said. “People are easy to work with. No drama, no big egos. Just a good group of folks trying to get the job done.”
That sense of camaraderie is part of why he stayed for so long. It’s also what makes saying goodbye a little bittersweet.
Working with younger employees has been rewarding and eye-opening.
“Things are different now,” Randy said with a smile. “Some of the younger folks need a little more guidance when it comes to taking initiative or figuring out what to do next.”
But he sees it as an opportunity, not a frustration.
“If you take the time to teach them, most of them want to do well. They just need someone to show them how.”
His biggest piece of advice? “Give it your best. That’s what I’ve always tried to do.”
What’s next?
With retirement coming at the end of 2025, Randy is looking forward to some well-earned rest. He and his family are planning a cruise to Alaska, though he made it clear he’s not interested in seeing it during the winter.
When he’s not traveling, he’ll be spending time on his farm with his animals — rabbits, cows, chickens, and horses — and just enjoying the slower pace of life.
“I’ve had a great run here,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m excited to see where the Port goes next.”