Mary Jo Airo
Norton Shores, MI
Selected for Ladies Wheeling Weekend
"Mary Jo has been driving vehicles and farm equipment since she was 8. She blames her brother for her Jeep addiction which started about 5 years ago. She is in several Michigan Jeep clubs and is part of one in Illinois where she grew up in a town of 500 and graduating class of 18. Her hobbies include Jeeping, cooking, outdoor activities, sports, and has owned MJ Sales LLC since 2004. Mary Jo has two daughters, a horse, and a puppy. "
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Tell us about yourself.
I am a farm girl from Central Illinois. My father still fars beef cattle, soybeans, and corn. I have a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois - Urbana, IL. I grew up in Cornell, Illinois which has a population of 500. I showed cattle and horses in 4-H growing up. I can drive just about anything since I grew up on a 1000+ grain farm. I lived in the 4-H Sorority at the U of I. My career has included various Food Service Director and Store Manager positions. I currently work in the Food Service industry. I have been a School FSD for 6 years, worked as a Store Manager for Gordon Food Service, and managed restaurants. I have been in the Food Industry since working at Dairy Queen while attending Cornell High School. My hobbies include Jeeping, cooking, outdoor activities, sports, animals (I have a horse and a puppy) and spending time with my two teenage daughters Abbey and Tori.
How long have you been offroading?
I have been off-roading for 5 years with Jeeps. I bought my first Jeep 5 years ago. It was a 1995 Jeep Wrangler rust bucket. I had a 3-wheeler and horse growing up. Since I grew up on a farm, a lot of the equipment is driven ‘off-road’.
How did you get into offroading?
I got into off-roading because of my brother, he has 5 Jeeps. I drove his and then I needed one 5 years ago.
Tell us about your vehicle:
2007 Jeep Wrangler 4 door JKU - Green Day: 37-inch Toyos, 3-inch Terraflex lift and a 1-inch body lift, Artec front axle kit, Warn winch, ACE stubby front bumper, automatic, with a Mopar 3.8 mini-van motor, and fun vinyl. I just bought a Freedom hard top that I am having wrapped for it. I also have a 1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ - Stray: 6-inch lift, 35-inch Goodyear tires, ratcheted locked rear axle, front brush guard, 4 cylinder, manual 5-speed.
What has been your favorite offroad experience?
A vacation off-roading for 12 days around the Grand Canyon in January 2016 with stops in Moab, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, Hoover Dam/Wash area, and other roads that looked interesting.”
What was your most exciting offroad achievement?
I drove my brother’s YJ at a Two River’s Jeep Club trail ride in the fall of 2015 and followed him on a level 3 trail. I had a blast and did much better than most of the other drivers (who were all men). It was a major accomplishment for me. I had one guy tell me that I made the other drivers look bad, and that I was one with my Jeep (my brother’s YJ). It was the first time I had driven it haha. It was a great day with my daughter Tori. We camped for the weekend. She had a great time and said I rocked it. It was a great feeling.
What excites you about offroading?
Driving off-road and and being challenged in my Jeep excites me. It is my happy place. If I’m out for a trail ride with other Jeepers, I really enjoy driving, chatting, cooking out, looking at the scenery, and just enjoying the day.
What do you think is the most challenging aspect of offroading?
There is so much to learn. I have learned a lot in the last few years. It is a hobby and I’m very competitive. I especially don’t like having to back up! If I don’t judge the turn correctly, I scrutinize myself. I’m only in a competition in my head so far. I want to be the most conscientious female driver with a flare for fun and adventure whenever I’m driving. That is just on trail rides. I would love to learn more about being a mechanic.
Which aspect of offroading do you think is the most fun?
The aspect that is the most fun is that you can pretty much off-road anywhere in the world! There are great Jeep groups/individuals all over the country and world! It amazes me. I love my Jeep groups and friends!
What does prepping for an adventure look like in your world?
The prep for an adventure includes packing and planning. Our luggage usually has a lot of layers of clothing and different types of shoes (boots, flip flops, tennis shoes). The planning dictates the amount of clothing, food, tools, etc.. I always make sure to carry plenty of drinks and snacks wherever I go, whether that’s to work or across the country.
What is on your offroading bucket list?
Moab 2018, Argentina, Patagonia, the West Coast (San Francisco to Seattle), the Northeast Coast, and my main goal is to visit a different place every year.
Tell us about your typical offroading companions:
I off-road with my Jeep groups and friends in Michigan, my brother and Two Rivers Jeep Club in Illinois, and my guy friend David.
What is a piece of advice you have been given that you instill in your offroading adventures?
Concentrate on keeping all 4 wheels on the ground if possible. It’s all about tire placement. Trust and obey your spotter.
Do you have anything else you would like to add?
This has been a wonderful experience! I have enjoyed it and learned a lot. Thank you for this awesome opportunity. I am happy to be surrounded by confident, successful, and supportive women. It’s fantastic. Also, I have an addiction to Jeep Wranglers….it could be worse!
Click here to see all the 2017 Ladies Offroad Challenge Entries.
