Many of us at Wolverine need to travel to do our jobs.  In fact, my travel usually pales in comparison to others like Craig Borr, Wolverine’s Executive Vice President, and CEO of our Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. He travels regularly to Lansing and Washington DC to advocate for Michigan cooperatives and build important relationships with key legislators. 

This summer I enjoyed my easiest travel schedule in years. From mid-May through mid-August, I spent time in the office and with my family enjoying our warm summer. I figured I would pay for it when fall would call me back on the road. 

A considerable amount of my recent travel involved Wolverine’s members. They are spread across Michigan, so that means many miles of driving, even on the days I get to return home. Yet I find this travel rewarding because it allows me to connect with the members, and we share concerns, victories, ideas, and advice.  During this stretch I will spend time with each of the members in various way – boards, CEOs, employees, and customers.  I’ve introduced Wolverine to new directors and employees, and I’ve said farewell to retiring directors like Dean Floria, who led in an important, quiet way as one of the Founding Directors of Wolverine Power Marketing. 

Cassandra Drys mentioned to me last week that she noticed I was traveling a lot. So I looked back on my calendar and was surprised to see that I will drive nearly 10,000 miles in these 90 days, and spend no more than four consecutive nights in one place. This chopped up schedule tires me out, it makes it hard to schedule meetings and get work completed, and it leaves me feeling disconnected from you sometimes, but I feel privileged that Wolverine and its members give me the chance to do it.