Sometimes, the roads we travel don’t just lead to work. They lead to family.
That’s exactly what happened for Vernon “Hutch” Hutchinson, who left New York City over 30 years ago in search of a safer, better life for his family. Following a friend’s suggestion, he moved to Minnesota and found more than a new job, he found a new home and a legacy.
“I wanted something safer for my family,” Hutch said. “We just packed up like the Clampetts and drove out here. Never looked back.”
Now, Hutch and his son Aaron share more than a family bond. Both work as Metro Transit bus operators at East Metro Garage, sharing the same streets and uniforms in a unique father-son tradition.
“It’s amazing working with my dad,” Aaron said. “Especially when I see him out there on the road. I’ll stop, honk, wave. It brings a joy that’s hard to explain.”
Aaron’s childhood memories include riding along with his father during school breaks, watching how Hutch handled passengers with patience and kindness.
“There were summers I’d be sitting behind him on the bus,” Aaron said. “Watching how he made everyone feel welcome stuck with me.”
Hutch’s focus on kindness is no accident. Early in his career, a mentor named Diane shared a story that opened his eyes to the importance of empathy.
“She told me everybody’s got a story, and you don’t know what they’re carrying,” Hutch said. “It helped me see that even a simple good morning can make a difference.”
Over the years, many passengers became familiar faces, some even regarded Hutch as family.
“Kids I used to drive to school have come back grown, thanking me for something I said,” he said. “Some called me Big Brother, others ‘Dad for the day.’ That means a lot.”
Aaron’s path to becoming a bus driver wasn’t direct. After working in IT, the pandemic shifted his perspective.
“Back then, I didn’t think I’d ever do what he does,” Aaron said. “But COVID changed everything. I saw this job was stable, had great benefits, and actually made a difference.”
His training felt surprisingly familiar, he realized he’d already been absorbing lessons from Hutch for years.
“He had already taught me everything without making it obvious,” Aaron said. “It was all in how he treated people.”
With Father’s Day approaching, both men reflect on the road that brought them here, proud of the legacy they share.
“I’m proud to say I work with my dad,” Aaron said. “He’s always been about people first, and that’s something I carry with me every day.”
For Hutch, seeing his son follow in his footsteps is a source of joy.
“He’s good at what he does,” Hutch said. “And I’m proud to see him out there.”