56-Year-Old Detroit Man Walks 21 Miles To and From Work and Never Misses a Day Think your commute is bad? Think again.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Detroit Free Press

The daily grind can be taxing for even the most determined entrepreneurs, but if you need a little pep in your step this week, look no further than Detroit native James Robertson, 56, who braves a 21-mile commute to and from work every single day -- on foot.

Robertson, who sets out at 8 a.m., arrives for his factory job at an engineering plant at around 12:30 p.m. after a short bus ride and an eight-mile walk, according to the Detroit Free Press. Caffeine fuels the journey, as he chugs Mountain Dew and Coke.

When Robertson's shift ends at 10 p.m., he hops on another bus, follows it up with a 13-mile hike, and typically doesn't arrive home to his girlfriend until 4 a.m., where he sleeps for a few hours -- only to start right back up again.

Perhaps the only thing more impressive than Robertson's unimaginable will is the fact that he boasts a perfect attendance record at work. "I set our attendance standard by this man," Todd Wilson, Robertson's boss at Schain Mold & Engineering, told the Press. "He's never missed. I've seen him come in here wringing wet."

Related: 8 Tips for an Awesome, Healthier Commute

Robertson has had to endure the commute ever since his 1998 Honda Accord broke down in 2005. In addition to his $10.55 hourly salary, Robertson says he loves the outdoors and being around his co-workers, whom he likens to "a family." Wilson's wife even whips up homemade soul food dinners for Robertson every evening.

"I sleep a lot on the weekend," Robertson told the outlet. "Yes, I do."

But maybe not for long. Shortly after Robertson's story garnered national attention, hundreds of people across the country have come forward to offer him cash, bus tickets, bicycles, daily chauffeuring and even a new car.

Most notably, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $50,000. In addition, a local car dealership has offered Robertson a new car and Honda North America also said it would donate a vehicle. Funds raised would also help cover gas and insurance, the latter of which costs more in Detroit than anywhere else in the U.S.

Related: Making a 700-Mile Commute Work

Wavy Line
Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Editor's Pick

She's Been Coding Since Age 7 and Presented Her Life-Saving App to Tim Cook Last Year. Now 17, She's on Track to Solve Even Bigger Problems.
Lock
I Helped Grow 4 Unicorns Over 10 Years That Generated $18 Billion in Online Revenues. Here's What I've Learned.
Lock
Want to Break Bad Habits and Supercharge Your Business? Use This Technique.
Lock
Don't Have Any Clients But Need Customer Testimonials? Follow These 3 Tricks To Boost Your Rep.
Why Are Some Wines More Expensive Than Others? A Top Winemaker Gives a Full-Bodied Explanation.

Related Topics

Business News

Oscar Mayer Is Changing the Name of Its Iconic Wienermobile

The company is slamming the brakes on its wiener on wheels and rolling out a new meaty ride.

Business News

'All Hell Is Going to Break Loose': Barbara Corcoran Issues Warning About Real Estate Market, Interest Rates

The "Shark Tank" star appeared on FOX Business' "The Claman Countdown" this week.

Health & Wellness

Sleep Better, Snore Less, and Stay Cool with This Tech-Packed Pillow, Now $49.99

Let technology help you sleep better with this 8-in-1 cooling pillow.

Leadership

The Real Reason Why The Return to Office Movement is Failing is Revealed in New Study

There is a vivid sign of the disconnect between employees and their workplace, a glaring indication that companies need to revise their scripts to improve their hybrid and remote work policies.

Fundraising

Working Remote? These Are the Biggest Dos and Don'ts of Video Conferencing

As more and more businesses go remote, these are ways to be more effective and efficient on conference calls.

Growing a Business

The Best Way to Run a Business Meeting

All too often, meetings run longer than they should and fail to keep attendees engaged. Here's how to run a meeting the right way.