Joe Gutowski, 56, was born and raised in Livonia, Michigan and currently resides in Hadley Township, Michigan where he lives with his wife, dogs and horses. He works for ND Industries in Troy, Michigan where he is the Director of Information Technology. Joe started mushing in the spring of 2006 after reading about the Iditarod; researching sled dogs on the Internet and contacting Nature’s Kennel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He is married to Sara Carpenter; his wife of 31 years. Joe became interested in running the Iditarod himself after attending the Iditarod Picnic in June 2006 and again in June 2007. He would like to acknowledge the many individuals who have assisted him over the years as he has tried to prepare for this adventure. Joe and his team of dogs will be training out of Al Hardman’s Alcan Kennels this fall and winter in preparation for the Iditarod. Learn more at Joe’s website: www.naturalskennel.com