If you’re lucky enough to catch a ride with Tekabe, the first thing you’ll notice is his bowtie. The second thing you’ll notice is his smile. Tekabe has been driving with Uber since 2012 and is known for going above and beyond to offer riders stellar service.

“My favorite time to drive is the weekend. Everybody is so happy! I put on the dance music and we all have fun,” Tekabe said with a grin. Having immigrated from Ethiopia a decade ago, he lives with his wife and 3 young sons in South Seattle.

When Tekabe’s not driving with Uber, he likes to take his kids on adventures. “They have a lot of energy, so I take them to the park and the zoo, all the places where they can run around.” Before driving with Uber, Tekabe worked at a retirement community in Seattle. He decided to start driving for the flexibility it provided.

“With Uber I get to spend more time with my family. I can sign off and pick my son up from school. It’s given me a new type of freedom,” Tekabe said.

Keep your fingers crossed that the next time you request, you’re matched with Tekabe. You’re guaranteed to leave the car with a smile as big as his.

See Tekabe featured this month in Seattle Met magazine’s Face of Seattle series.