I was raised in Grand Ledge but moved to Mason many years ago. I’ve been an active volunteer for over 25 years with the Friday Night Fish Fry’s at St. James Catholic Church; the Mason Chamber of Commerce, serving as President twice; and the Mason Optimist Club and our annual Youth Sports Event. We also host over 20 spaghetti dinner fundraisers each year. I’m the general manager of Mason’s A&W restaurant.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Linda and I have been married for 41 years! We have three grown children, and they live in Eaton Rapids, Holt, and Mason. We welcomed our first grandchild into the family earlier this year when Henry Scott Bunting was born, and we are very excited to join the “Grandparent Club.”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve spent my entire working career with A&W Restaurant. I started at the Grand Ledge location in 1974 and I’ve been the General Manager of the Mason restaurant since 1989.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
City Limits and Darbs.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in Mason for 32 years, and counting!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Rollie Dart. He was quite a gentleman!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Alaska.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Anything with John Wayne. I also like NCIS, Blue Bloods, and all documentaries.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When you do a job, do it right and give it your all.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visiting Alaska.
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
The Eagles.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Kean’s. It brings back so many memories, especially the candy counter.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jay Leno, because he’s had such an interesting career. We’d eat at A&W, of course! I think Jay would appreciate the nostalgia.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the collection of dynamic people and events here, like the Thursday Night Live, Spring Fling, and Down Home Days.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully retired and hanging out on the front porch of our cabin in Kalkaska.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m related to R.E. Olds.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? The best single day on the calendar?
October. Christmas. February 21 (Grandson Henry’s birthday!).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dairy Hill. I only live two doors away, and I sure do love going there!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Campfires and summer rain.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Betsy Collins, a teacher at Mason High School.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort. Unconditional Love. Memories.
