Operator Volume 51 Issue 7 • July 2021
2021 AWARD WINNERS
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Ken Grisim started driving bus in 1949 when local contractor George Silkey recruited him off of the farm. 70 years later he considers himself very fortunate to have been in the industry this long. He continued to drive bus part time for George and in 1970 he was approached by Eddie Boe, who was a founding member of MSBOA, to purchase the 16 bus company in Northfield and took ownership in November 1970. Ken continued to grow the bus business through local acquisitions and also purchased a local motorcoach business from Lanny Gleason and started Northfield Lines. Ken sold the growing business to local Northfielder and entrepreneur Larry Benjamin in 1989 and remained an active driver for many years to come. One of Ken’s proudest accomplishments is knowing that he is directly responsible for having 11 members of his family hold their school bus license here in Minnesota. His children are Pam and her husband Jim, Curt and his wife Connie, Rhonda and her husband Tom, Doug and his wife Cara. He has 10 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.
Jim Deveau Award Recipient Todd and Linda Telin were awarded with the Jim DeVeau Award on June 22, 2021 at the Arrowwood Resort. Todd has been in the school bus industry for many years. First as a contractor, working for Schmitty and Sons and as of 2006, the owner of Telin Transportation Group selling Thomas buses. When introducing him, John Benjamin said that Todd was also new to the MSBOA at the same time. He said he was the first friendly face that he recognized at meetings. Todd and his wife Linda both share a passion for the industry. Whenever the MSBOA needs something, Todd and Linda always say, “We can do that.” Whether it is donating a bus or taking pictures of the yellow illuminated bridge for School Bus Driver Appreciation, Todd and Linda are not afraid to roll up their sleeves (or put on their boots) to get things done. Thank you for all you do for the MSBOA and the school transportation industry.
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