The hustle and bustle of the daily commute can become a hair-raising experience when frazzled drivers vent their frustration on fellow motorists. Often, a simple act of kindness can melt even the worst case of road rage.
“I’ve had people come up to me and thank me for waving and smiling,” Rick Soetebier said. “It’s just a bright spot in their day. Everybody deserves a smile and a wave.”
An investment advisor with Ameriprise Financial, Soetebier used to unwind with a nightly run with his loyal pup. As the dog aged, the geared down to a slower pace, taking long treks through the Ozark country side.
“As she got older, she slowed down,” Soetebier said. “So I had to slow down.”
When the pooch passed away, Soetebier moved his walk to the chaos and craziness of busy highway 54. A questionable choice for some, but Soetebier loves the interaction with caravans of grateful travelers.
“It’s been a lot of fun moving out here recently,” Soetebier said. “This is probably been the best place to walk that I’ve ever found because of the traffic and it’s just a lot of fun waving and smiling.”
Like a man on a mission, Soetebier logs an impressive 15 miles each day and plans to reach the 1,800 mile goal line by year’s end.
“Last year was 1612, this year I’m shooting for 1800 miles,” Soetebier said. “That’s like walking from here to Boulder Colorado and back.”
His ready smile and congenial attitude have garnered him numerous fans, which affectionately refer to him as “Waving Guy.”
“I have people I don’t even know who stop me at the post office or a restaurant and ask if I’m that guy out on the highway. Yep, I’m that guy,” Soetebier responds with a laugh.
Now he has a new mission to ensure that all this pavement pounding will benefit more than lake area travelers. For a penny per mile, he plans to put legs under the effort to eradicate polio through Lake Area Rotary clubs.
“It’s still prevalent in four countries around the world, Pakistan Afghanistan, India and Nigeria,” Soetebier explained. “It occurred to me that I’m out here walking; I might as well put the effort toward a worthy cause.”
“Ideally I’d like to raise $1,600,” Soetebier continued. “That’s only finding 100 people to contribute $16 dollars a piece.”
As he marches toward his goal, Soetebier shares a bit of advice for other road warriors who might be having a bad day.
“It doesn’t make a difference what kind of day I’ve had at work the minute I get on the highway a smile comes on my face because I have so much fun out here,” Soetebier said. “Put a smile on your face and you’ll feel much better immediately,”
The funds Soetebier raises for polio prevention will be distributed through the four lake area rotary clubs. Those wishing to pledge a donation can contact him at (573)365-1300 or via email at ricksoetebier@gmail.com.
Soetebier can usually be seen walking along highway 54 in the Meads Flats area between 3 and 5 each afternoon. Should you see him during your commute, feel free to share a smile and a wave.
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