Navigating off-road adventure
Benjy Grover is a familiar face at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. As LLNL’s newly appointed transformation officer, he is at the center of helping drive many of the Lab’s ongoing and future transformation efforts in culture, people management, policy, business systems and strategic planning.
Outside of work, Grover finds joy in exploring off-road trails in his Jeep, a hobby he’s discovered in recent years. This parallel journey reflects his ability to navigate both the complexities of organizational change and the rugged terrains of outdoor adventure.
Trail-blazing roots
“My dad had a Jeep Cherokee growing up, and I always thought it was the coolest car. It was just his daily commuter vehicle, but it planted the seed,” Grover said. His desire to explore the outdoors took root during college when he inherited his father’s old Jeep, and the love for off-roading grew stronger with time.
In the fall of 2019, Grover took the plunge and purchased his dream Jeep. “I wanted a four-wheel drive that could take me places, and I was very particular about it. I wanted a vibrant orange Jeep Wrangler Rubicon,” he said.
Little did Grover know that this decision would grow into a full-fledged hobby, filled with challenges, upgrades and memorable adventures. Discovering a group of men that explored trails together on the weekends, he started joining them on their outings, gradually pushing the boundaries of his Jeep’s capabilities.
“It just became this snowball effect,” Grover said. “First, it was, ‘Maybe I should get a lift,’ and then it was, ‘Maybe I should get a winch.’ Many joke that Jeep stands for ‘Just Empty Every Pocket,’ and that’s true. The ability to upgrade is unlimited,” he said, highlighting the addictive nature of upgrading his Jeep. From rock sliders to larger tires, Grover has made enhancements to his Wrangler for the ever-demanding trails.
From lockdown to lifeline
During the COVID-19 pandemic, off-roading became more than a hobby for Grover, but a real lifeline.
“When everything closed, the national forests remained open, providing a sanctuary for us. It helped us keep our sanity,” he said. Grover found solace in exploring trails with his three sons, turning the off-roading trips into a cherished family activity.
While his wife accompanied him on one off-roading adventure, Grover acknowledged that being a passenger might not be as thrilling. The real excitement lies in the driver’s seat, tackling obstacles and making split-second decisions to conquer challenging terrains, he said.
Weekend excursions have taken Grover and his friends to various trails across Northern California, with favorites like Niagara Rim, Slick Rock and Deer Valley. They also have taken trips to the off-roading mecca of Moab, Utah, tackling renowned trails such as Hell’s Revenge and Elephant Hill. Notably, Grover has earned six Badge of Honor awards from Jeep, a recognition of completing challenging trails.
Future aspirations include conquering the infamous Rubicon Trail in El Dorado County, California, and exploring high-altitude passes in Telluride, Colorado.
Overcoming obstacles
Grover’s off-roading journey isn’t just about conquering trails. With its array of challenges, off-roading has become a multifaceted outlet for Grover.
One of the significant challenges lies in navigating tricky terrain. Grover emphasizes the importance of choosing the right lines — or paths over an obstacle — as well as the right tire placement, especially when tackling boulder fields, tree roots, or steep inclines. The technical aspects of off-roading provide a constant source of problem-solving and challenge that he finds exhilarating.
“It’s a lot of problem-solving when you’re off-roading. You’re constantly assessing the terrain, choosing the right course and helping others navigate obstacles,” he said. “The thrill of overcoming these challenges becomes a driving force, keeping the excitement alive in every adventure.’
Spending time working on his Jeep and off-roading excursions also underscores the importance of finding balance and pursuing passions beyond the workplace, Grover said.
He recalled a class taught by a psychology professor at UCLA. “The professor said that many of those that worked on the production line for Ford Motor Company, when they went home at night would play chess to wind down and relax, because they had done strenuous physical work all day.”
“I sometimes feel like I play chess at work every day. So, this is a way for me to do something that’s completely different,” Grover said. “I spend much of the time I’m at work attending meetings or dealing with complicated issues. This gives me a great hands-on outlet.”
