Meet the Modeltowners

Alan Cook

Owner - BuyGreatOil.com

Executive Director, Forsyth Forward

I graduated from high school in southern Wisconsin in 1979, and within weeks, I joined the U.S. Air Force, setting off on a 23-year journey around the world. My first duty assignment brought me to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base as a Security Policeman. It was the perfect start to my career—I was just six hours from home, and my grandmother lived in nearby Escanaba. Those four years at Sawyer planted a seed of connection to Upper Michigan that would grow stronger over time.

After my time at Sawyer, I served in various locations around the globe until 1992, when Hurricane Andrew devastated my home in South Florida. Faced with the chance to choose my next assignment, I requested a return to Sawyer, and my wish was granted. Those next three years were transformative. I purchased 40 acres of property near Gwinn and set up a small hunting trailer—my first step toward putting down roots in the Upper Peninsula.

When I retired from the Air Force in 2001, I began a new chapter in the propane industry in Madison, Wisconsin. Despite living in the south, I frequently traveled back to the UP to work on building a cabin on my property. Each trip deepened my love for the area. When the opportunity arose to manage propane operations in Gwinn, I jumped at the chance. For several years, I managed operations in both Gwinn and Munising from my cabin, cementing my desire to call Forsyth Township home.

Eventually, my wife Lynn and I made the decision to move to our cabin permanently, transitioning to a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. I established my own business as an Amsoil distributor, which gave me the flexibility to fully embrace the community and natural beauty of Upper Michigan.

For me, Upper Michigan is the last frontier of the Midwest. Its stunning geography, distinct seasons, and unspoiled wilderness are unmatched. The people here are genuine, hardworking, and welcoming, making small-town living a deeply rewarding experience. Living in Forsyth Township provides the perfect balance—everything we need is within reach, from the charm of Gwinn to the amenities of Marquette, Munising, and Escanaba. Whether camping, boating, or exploring the woods we call our backyard, every day feels like an adventure.

Forsyth Township has given me more than just a place to live; it has given me a sense of purpose and connection. I’m proud to call myself a Modeltowner and to share this incredible community with others who are looking for a place to visit, live, and thrive.