Posted on 02/02/2015 2:25:26 PM PST by naturalman1975
For ten years James Robertson hasn't missed a single day of work. What's even more remarkable is that Robertson walks a round trip of 21 miles a day just to get there.
For five days a week, Robertson, 56, trudges from his home in Detroit to his job at the factory where he works in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
He's walked the walk ever since his 1988 Honda Accord quit on him more than 10 years ago.
His job pays him $10.55 an hour, which he claims is not enough for him to buy his own car, but that may well change after well-wishers managed to raise almost $42,000 for him in an online campaign in just hours.
For now though, whatever the weather, Robertson is there, on the job for his 2-10pm shift.
In the city that made the motor car famous, he is without his own four-wheels and there's no decent bus service to get him to where he wants to go, either.
'I set our attendance standard by this man,' said his boss Todd Wilson to the Detroit Free Press.
Wilson is plant manager at high-end plastic moulding specialists, Schain Mold & Engineering. 'I say, if this man can get here, walking all those miles through snow and rain, well, I'll tell you, I have people in Pontiac 10 minutes away and they say they can't get here — bull! He's never missed. I've seen him come in here wringing wet,' said Wilson, 53.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Bet he isn’t fat or have Diabetes.
I applaud the guy’s work ethic.
At the same time I’d have found a cheap car on craigslist. And saved up for it. There are always inexpensive older cars on craigslist.
I believe it was once called American Work Ethic. Seems like some of it still exists. ????
10 years and he still makes only $10.55 an hour?
I’d have bought a bicycle. In fact, at one time I did buy a bicycle, just for that reason. That doesn’t lower my respect for him, though.
Good for him, although it surprises me that after all this time, he can’t afford a second hand car.
Kewel Dude...
No way I walk 2-3 hours one way for that kind of money.
But, he oughtta be in good shape.
Then again, I did ride my bike from Scotts Valley, CA to Cabrillo College and my job was 3 miles further.
This is the guy who should have been seated next to Michelle at State of the Union.
There is something here that every patriotic American can admire.
I know, you don’t have to say it, that’s why he wasn’t there.
God bless this man and his work ethic. Props to him for his self reliance.
Yeah, first possibly a used but good bike. Then a cheap car.
Not a reflection on his work ethic, certainly. One has to wonder though why he didn’t at least think or plan in ten years, about getting a used bike and then moving on to a inexpensive used car.
Amazing.
Great story! There is a similar guy here in my town. He lives about 9 or 10 miles out. He has a good paying factory job and owns a car. He’s about 60 years old and chooses to run to work and back home everyday
(Todd) Wilson is plant manager at high-end plastic moulding specialists, Schain Mold & Engineering. “I say, if this man can get here, walking all those miles through snow and rain, well, I’ll tell you, I have people in Pontiac 10 minutes away and they say they can't get here—bull! He’s never missed. I’ve seen him come in here wringing wet,” said Wilson, 53 …. . . and yet Mr. Wilson cannot give Mr. Robertson a raise for ten years of loyal service? Hmm.
I made an excellent electric bike for around $500. And it is wicked cool. High-rise handlebars and banana seat too.
Started with an abandoned Schwinn cruiser I found on the side of the road. THen put the go-hub kit front wheel on it. Packed 4 12v batteries in the frame and wala.
Kids at 711 think it’s cooler than the harley in the parking lot too.
I was wondering about that myself.
Never mind why there was no plan to replace a 27-year-old car.
Good point. Bicycle, skateboard, rollerskates, motorscooter, all could cut down his commute, and not cost him too much.
I walk 28 miles a day. Please set up a website and buy me a car... I prefer a 2015 F450 King Ranch diesel Dually so I can pull my toy hauler easier.
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