The Team
Scroll down to meet the crew
Meet The Team
16 volunteers from seven co-ops across Michigan have stepped forward to be a part of this project. Get to know them.
Brandon Bruce
Thumb Electric Cooperative
Why did you volunteer for this project?
I enjoy helping others and this seemed like a great opportunity to make a difference for people who really need it.
Fun fact:
I enjoy any outdoor activity I can be involved with.
Jeff Campbell
HomeWorks Tri-County
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To help others that are in need of one of the most basic necessities of life – reliable electricity.
Fun fact:
I love shooting targets at long range, preferably at 400+ feet.
Christopher Clark
Midwest Energy & Communications
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To see how another culture lives and to see how happy people will be to have power for the first time.
Fun fact:
In my free time, I like to make recurve bows and arrows by hand.
Kevin Evans
Great Lakes Energy
Why did you volunteer for this project?
This project combines my love of travel with my work and the opportunity to help.
Fun fact:
I was fortunate enough to participate in the 2015 Guatemala planning trip as well.
Jeremy Fortier
Wolverine Power Cooperative
Why did you volunteer for this project?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to improve the lives of others in such a significant way. This undertaking may be strenuous and challenging, but few things worth doing are easy.
Fun fact:
I just completed my first Tuff Mudder competition.
Jeremiah Hunsberger
Midwest Energy & Communication
Why did you volunteer for this project?
We take having electricity for granted in our country. Being able to provide something as simple as a lightbulb to people who have never been able to have that is an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.
Fun fact:
I have three beautiful girls ages 2, 11 and 13.
Zachary Lock
Midwest Energy & Communications
Why did you volunteer for this project?
It’s a wonderful opportunity to help people, and will likely be a humbling experience.
Fun fact:
I’m a proud dad of three awesome kids, ages 13, 8 and 4.
Tom Lupu
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op
Why did you volunteer for this project?
In my 30+ years as a lineman, my favorite part of the job is when the power is out and I get to put it back on. It brings people such happiness. I can only imagine what it is like to turn on reliable electricity for the first time.
Fun fact:
Two of my four children will be married this year.
Trenton Lupu
Great Lakes Energy
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To help bring power to a remote location. I think it will be awesome to see how other people live and experience their culture. My father is volunteering on this trip, too, so it would be a cool experience for us to share.
Fun fact:
I’m an ink addict and love getting tattoos!
*Trenton is an alternate and prepared to head to Bolivia should an unforeseen event prevent one of the other team members from participating.
Matt Monroe
Wolverine Power Cooperative
Why did you volunteer for this project?
I wanted to help make a difference in a place that has not been afforded the luxury of having electricity readily available to them.
Fun fact:
I was fortunate enough to be on the Guatemala electrification trip, too.
Jeremiah Ritchie
Great Lakes Energy
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To give back to people around the world with something we take for granted, and to experience something so few get to do.
Fun fact:
I’m an avid hunter and fisherman.
Trevor Stratton
Wolverine Power Cooperative
Why did you volunteer for this project?
I was involved with the Partners for Power project in 2015 and it was a great experience. I’m very excited and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to be involved in this new project. It’s very gratifying to help people in struggling areas of the world.
Fun fact:
I love music and playing guitar.
Chad Spincich
Great Lakes Energy
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To help other people that do not have as much as my family and to visit a different part of the world.
Fun fact:
I raise chickens. I try to raise about 75 meat chickens for eating every year.
Todd Wilson
Alger Delta
Why did you volunteer for this project?
I love what I do. I’m always ready for storm work to help others out. I expect this project will be a lot like storm work- hard and hot, but gratifying at the end to see everyone has power.
Fun fact:
My wife is the boss.
Daniel Yokubonus
Great Lakes Energy
Why did you volunteer for this project?
To help people who are in need of power and to see a different part of the world.
Fun fact:
I love to fish and hunt.
Jeremy Zbytowski
HomeWorks Tri-County
Why did you volunteer for this project?
It will be an incredible experience to work outside of the country without all of the modern equipment that helps us do our jobs today. I want to see people experience lights in their home for the first time, just like the linemen got to see at the start of my co-op 80 years ago.
Fun fact:
I enjoy helping coach my son’s baseball team.