Share Where I've Been Tom Stuker: The 10-Million-Mile, Family Man

Where I’ve Been team member Amy Kulerski recently had the amazing opportunity to interview Tom Stuker. Known as the “10-Million-Mile Man;” Tom has flown so many miles with United Airlines that they named a Boeing 747 after him. Stuker is beyond a frequent flyer; he is a legend.  Please enjoy the first episode feature on what we're referring to as "Share Where I've Been"- a bi-weekly showcase from qualified travelers from all over the world! 

In July 2011, Tom Stuker flew his 10 millionth mile on United Airlines and was given the company’s first and only titanium Mileage Plus card. Upon hearing about this accomplishment, I immediately thought of George Clooney’s character from “Up in the Air” -- a lonely executive living on the road, traveling from place to place, finding himself better acquainted with flight attendants than family members. Boy, was I wrong to compare the two. First and foremost, Tom Stuker is a world class family man and a worldwide traveler secondly.

I am sure you are wondering how someone can spend almost five full years of his life at an altitude of 40,000 feet and still remain “close to home.” Stuker’s answer is a simple one -- quality over quantity. When he’s home, he makes the most out of it. He also travels with his family...a lot. Tom has traveled 2 million miles with his wife; they take about six “honeymoons” a year. Stuker has also traveled over a million miles with his oldest son -- in fact, they have circled the globe together twice. 

Of his travels with his family, Tom said ”I’ve taken my family all over the world because I want to share the experience with them. I really am amazed with the world and I love sharing my passion for travel with my family members” 

So, how does Tom feel about the comparison to Clooney?

“I’m the complete opposite of George Clooney in so many ways -- especially when it comes to looks! His character was a very sad character. The man went around firing people. My job is the opposite -- I work with people to expand their business.” And Stuker is very good at what he does too. 

So good in fact, he will be starring in his own reality series alongside his sister, Roxy. The transformational program is called “Car Lot Cowboy” and is set to debut early in 2012 on Spike. The show focuses on Tom’s work as an auto retail sales consultant -- in it, he will visit struggling car dealerships and help them turn around their businesses. 

Tom’s impressive career made me think back to a recent article in Forbes “Ten Ways Travel Can Make You a Better Business Leader” and I asked him whether he agreed that there was connection between the two. Stuker said that his travels most definitely made him a better leader and have contributed to his success. He remarked how his ability to think outside the box is at its best in the sky. “There are no distractions. My creative juices really flow... I find flying on a plane to be so relaxing and so focused of an environment to get work done.” 

On United, Stuker has flown to every island in Hawaii, every state in the US, and every province in Canada. He’s traveled all over Asia, Europe, the Mideast, Africa, and Australia too. There are not too many places that Tom has not traveled to; the few experiences[c] that remain on his bucket list are a high-end safari in South Africa and visiting the Orient Express. 

Many travelers are familiar with the Moorish proverb that reads: He who does not travel does not know the value of men. I wanted to know what Tom thought of this quote.

Stuker commented “though it is a very sexist comment, it is true that one can’t understand the human spirit, not just people, without traveling. Especially as Americans, he/she who doesn’t travel does not realize how lucky we are and the wealth that we have... We’re very lucky in so many ways.”

Finally, I asked Tom what he liked best about traveling. His answer: “going home.”

“Everyone asks where’s your favorite place to go, I say ‘home’. I love going to different places for different reasons... I love the romance of Italy and Paris. I like the serenity, calmness and romance of Thailand. I love the people of Australia. Hawaii is America’s paradise... but when all is said and done, there is no place like home.”

Tom continued, “You can go to Oz, but even Dorothy wants to come home. I don’t have ruby slippers, but I have United Airlines.”

What a perfect way to conclude our interview. Family definitely comes first for Tom Stuker. He’s a man that we can all learn something from -- whether the lessons are about fatherhood and being a good husband, traveling, or how to find success in business amidst a recession. It was a privilege to talk with him and to share his experiences with the Where I’ve Been community!

Do you think that you have a spectacular story like Tom Stuker's? Send me an email at katy[at]whereivebeen[dot]com for more information! Please include a short bio and any pictures/links to videos that you think would enhance your story as well. Your story could be a part of our *exclusive* new series, Share Where I've Been-- coming in two weeks from today!