Hello, My name is Randi Buzzelli and I have lived in Big Lake for 7 years. After traveling for my husband’s job for a couple of years, we landed in Big Lake and knew we wanted our kids to put some roots down. This has been an amazing town to for our family to settle in. We love the small town feel, the lakes and parks, the schools, the businesses and mostly the people!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband’s name is Jeff and he works as a Plant Manager in St. Cloud. We have been married for 17 years, but have known each other since 8th grade homeroom. He is a really great person, but most importantly I keep him around because he makes me laugh! We have 3 daughters, they are 13,15 and 16. Our 16 year works at a local restaurant and loves it there. Our 15 year old just got her permit and loves spending time with friends. Our 13 year old recently joined Student Council and loves to read. She often reads a whole book in one day.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
Our family moved here the summer of 2017. I started working at Liberty Elementary shortly after we moved here.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I started working in child care when I was 16 years old and spent the majority of my career working with children. When my daughters were young, I was blessed to get a position as a Center Director and worked there for 7 years while my kids were infants through preschool age. For two years we lived out of state so Jeff could peruse an opportunity through his employer. During this time I was able to stay home with my girls. When we moved back to Minnesota, I started working at Liberty Elementary as a Noon Monitor. The following school year, I applied to work in the front office and have felt blessed to be there for 7 years now. I always say I won the job lottery! Liberty is a great place to work and getting to know so many kids and their families in our community is just the best.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
When I was little my Grandpa used to call me Brunswick because my big bald head resembled a bowling ball. Thankfully, that never stuck! I do get called several variations of Randi such as Randall, Randalyn, and Mama Randi.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I really love Movie trilogies! My top two are Back to the Future and Twilight, my kids will be embarrased I’m admitting that. Our family also loves Marvel movies.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Coffee would definitely be my drink of choice! For food, I would have to choose breakfast food, this makes sense because I am really a morning person.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
I love to be out in nature and by any type of water. My husband and I have recently started exploring the many ATV trails Minnesota has to offer. This state is so beautiful! Next summer, my goal is to start kayaking.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
To write a book
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
My dream is to live on a lake and be surrounded by nature.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
When our family was just starting out and we had young kids, Jeff enrolled in an accelerated online college program. He spent the next 5 years working full time, then coming home to work on school. During this time our daughters were all under 5 years old and I was also working full time. This was a challenging time in our life and the stress of work, young kids and school was a lot to take on. In this 5 years, Jeff went from having a GED to a Master’s in Business Management which has provided many opportunities and benefits for our family. It was a challenge, but it was worth it!
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I was better at public speaking, I’m really terrible at it.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My Dad. He is the ultimate example of being a dedicated parent and a great person. He is so selfless and has always prioritized his family over himself. He also gives the best advice.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I am a severe day dreamer.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family, they are my favorite 4 people in the world and I am happiest when I am with them.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Cambo Flare, Pizza Factory and McPete’s.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I love the beach and lake!
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
My best advice to anyone would be to enjoy the simple things in life.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Angie Spaeth. To know Angie is to love her! She radiates a positive energy that is contagious.
