Arnie's Idaho Interview

In the first 36 hours of acquiring the one hundred percent electric Tesla Model S, Arnie and Reggie drained the battery to a 10-, 19-, and 3-mile range. On each occasion they sweated, stressed and cracked their knuckles wondering if they would make their destination—the next charging station—before breaking down. At the time, they had yet to travel in a state that didn’t border the Pacific Ocean—still nearly 3000 miles from home.

Could they make it safely home without being stranded on the side of the road in some desolate country without power in the middle of the night? Who would subject himself to such stress?

Arnie, why did you decide to embark in such a journey?

 “I never do anything in a vacuum,” Arnie said. “I have multiple reasons for buying this Tesla and driving it coast-to-coast.

“First is experience. I have a Nissan Leaf and a Chevy Volt. I hate getting gas. It’s a finite resource—it will eventually run out or get real expensive. Do the math: You have to earn $5.00 to buy $4.00 in gas after income tax (in Maryland). Electric cars are not going to end gas, but Tesla answers the question: How to get around?

“I believe electric cars are the wave of the future—both the base models and the luxurious. People who are reluctant to make changes will get run over. People will make changes when the pain of making changes is less than staying the same—this is true in my life. Some may call me a trailblazer, but I feel like I’m simply open to change.

“Another reason is maintenance. There's no engine or transmission to service. You hardly use the breaks—they’re regenerative.

“True, the battery will need to be replaced," Arnie said, "But the battery will be cheaper in eight to ten years when it goes.

“From a business vantage point: I always look for ways to improve my business plan. I’m in the problem solving business. Some people are reluctant to come to my office. They want a house call. But the tools are at the office. It’s more practical to be there. There are a group of people who are older, who get lost easily. How to solve this?  Start a pick-up service—with the intent of ‘wowing’ people. We could send a secretary out with an antique vehicle, a BMW…or we could get a Tesla, I thought. Ultimately, I want to use a Tesla for

 this purpose.

“There’s the adventure reason—driving coast-to-coast. It’s a vacation with purpose. I’m a strong believer of giving back and charity. It’s a duty. So I’m raising funds for the Lutheran Mission Society (LMS). We have a few suggestions for people who would like to donate: a penny per mile; five dollars per travel day; 10 dollars per travel day; five cents per total miles traveled; or 33 1/3 cents per total miles traveled.

“Then there’s the health reasons,” Arnie continued. “I’m getting older. This trip is unique; it’s out of character for me to take a few weeks off work. I’m a work-a-holic—but I’m not getting any younger.

“I had a stress test in August last year. I had to go to the hospital. Three of the four major arteries were blocked. I had bypass surgery last November. The doctor told me that my heart was functioning at a 40 percent level. Sixty percent is normal. My level was a sign of heart attacks, he said. I think I had one on September 27 of last year in San Antonio, Texas. I didn’t go to the hospital, just took some Aspirin. 

“I’m more than halfway through life. Since San Antonio I’ve had to take six months off. I couldn’t do anything for six weeks—couldn’t even lie down. Just sat and went to sleep. Dragged myself to the bathroom. Coughed and my chest bone opened up. I took a few steps every day, and a few more and I eventually got back.

“April 5 of this year I went back to work. I feel better today than I did a few years ago. I never realized how bad my physical condition was. My business partner Terry had to work twice as hard. He’s afraid I’ll go on this trip and never come back. But he’s envious (laughs).

“Exercise is the big thing. I walk recreationally every day. I'm lifting weights. I stopped smoking a number of years ago after picking up the habit as a teenager. The only redeeming quality of cigarettes is that it eases social security (laughs). 

“I had my cholesterol checked 15 years ago. I’m 61 now; I’ll be 62 in two weeks (Sept. 20). I cut out all milk but non-fat—and also cut the amount of meat I eat.

“I’ve seen peers of mine keel over from a clogged artery—the widow maker artery. I’m fortunate they caught this when they did,” Arnie continued. “I’m also fortunate that I avoided a depression after surgery. Many people go through that. Strong faith and a positive attitude got me through it. I won’t allow myself to get depressed—but it doesn’t mean I won’t complain (laughs).

“So purchasing a Tesla was a combination of things. In the end, I think the best reason is raising money for LMS. And to get attention, I’ve decided to drive this new Tesla coast-to-coast—and document it.”