New Bluestoner Rod Johnson wears a lot of hats. In addition to his new Senior Maintenance Tech hat, there's the Grandpa hat, the Desert Storm Veteran hat, and the I'd Rather Be Riding My Harley hat, which we're hoping is a helmet. In previous lives, the Omaha native has also been a trucker, construction worker, and roofer. 

For 18 years before he came to Bluestone, Rod owned his own commercial maintenance business. So why would he give up his own business to work for somebody else? “The workforce is gone. Can't find any good employees. I needed three full-time and a part-time, and I really only ever had one full-time that was decent, and a part-time that was real good, but he never wanted to advance or do anything more. After 18 years struggling, I decided to retire. Then I found out I didn't put enough nickels away to retire the way I wanted to. I decided I could move to the Philippines, or I could go back to work for a couple years.”

Two years ago, Rod was diagnosed with emphysema. “I quit smoking 29 years ago so they think it's possibly because I was in Desert Storm, around all those oil wells that were burning.” So far, he is happy with the services he's received from the VA. “You hear a lot of horror stories, but I haven't had a single problem with them. Very good care, very attentive.”

Spare time is a pretty new concept for Rod. He says he gets his workaholism from his parents and has worked seven days a week for most of his adult life. Now that he has a job, he is forced to take time off and is learning how to use it.  He's enjoying hanging out with his grandchildren and finally understands what that couch is for. “I watch a lot of YouTube videos. Silly stuff, and a lot of times history.” He also likes to read historical fiction—he highly recommends John Jakes—and some of John Grisham's work. 

Rod says he now realizes that there's a lot more to life than work. “I started my business 18 years ago because I wanted to ride my Harley every Friday. I still have the Harley, it's been sitting in the garage. I have never rode it on a Friday yet because I've been too busy. So I think I'm going to get the Harley out and start riding again.”

As for long-term goals, he is laser-focused. “Now the plan is to retire and buy an RV Toy Hauler and travel around the country to see some of my army buddies. Ride the Harley, go to the different bike rallies. When I'm 65, I should have enough nickels saved up to do it.” 

Happy trails, Rod, another Friday's coming up!