Vivian was born in Anniston, AL but might as well be considered an Atlanta native. Her her family relocated when she was just two years old. Just after graduating from Chamblee’s Cross Keys High School she went to work for Trust Company (Suntrust) Bank. After just a year and at 19 years of age, she went to work for the Atlanta division of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. At that time most international corporate banks had Atlanta offices.
That same summer she met Randy at Atlanta’s Agora Ballroom following a Mother’s Finest concert at the Fox Theater. Little did she know just what she had walked into. Just over two years later in 1983 they were married. Justin, who now handles graphics for the magazine was born in ’84 and Jeremy was born in ’87.
All while raising kids (and Randy), running to baseball, soccer, football and basketball practice, Vivian continued to work for CIBC . She also continued to work her way up through the ranks becoming the Assistant Vice-President of Administration. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks the bank made the decision to move the Operations Center to Toronto. A couple years later this allowed Vivian to take early retirement at just over 40 years old.
Obviously retirement didn’t mean working was over. The magazine had been purchased in 2001 and was in a major growth spurt. Her office management were skills were greatly needed and have been vital for all aspects of the business.
Vivian had never been a motorcycle until January 2001 when Randy purchased a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic. The first time on back didn’t go very well. It scared her pretty badly. It took several short rides to make her comfortable. She took the Riders Edge course but still decided she preferred to be on back. Over the last 13 years she has been on back for thousands of miles including many long distance rides. Now just about any time the bike is fired up she is on back ready to roll and plans to for many years.
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