We caught up with Overhead Lineworker David Bunch on a day when his job involved both overhead and underground line work. "This is one of the things I like about my job," he said. "Today we're putting in new overhead and underground lines, and tomorrow we may be changing out a streetlight. I like the variety of work we get to do on sites all across Pitt County."

David is part of an overhead construction crew that builds electric lines and works on all major projects involving overhead lines. As David explained, it can also involve underground line work when both are needed for one project. If a new development or highway project is under construction (and there is a lot of that going on in Pitt County right now), these crews set or replace poles, string primary and secondary lines, etc. In addition, these lineworkers make up the "holiday" trouble crews so that troubleshooter crews can get a break.

"I've been at GUC for seven years, and since day one it's been like family here," David said. "Any of us could make a call for help and the others will be there in a heartbeat."

Since 2013, David has also been an integral part of the GUC Lighthouse Steering Committee, our behavioral-based safety program. He is part of the team that got this program off the ground, and he will soon be rotating off the committee. "I've learned a lot from this experience, and we've had a lot of accomplishments," he said. "It's time I step aside and let someone else help out."

Enjoying the variety of the work in his job at GUC extends into his personal life as well. After graduating from D.H. Conley (where he also met his wife, Logan, during their senior year), David went on to receive two diplomas from Pitt Community College: Electrical Systems Technology and Industrial Systems Technology. Today, David is taking advantage of GUC's tuition reimbursement program to get a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Technology from East Carolina University.

On top of all this, he's been working on his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Electric Line Construction Technology from Nash Community College (NCC). In addition to the course work with NCC, David will take a total of 12 weeks of lineman training with ElectriCities of North Carolina, which counts towards the degree at NCC.

So does David have any time left for fun? "I make time to enjoy my family and throw in some 'me time' when I can," he said. David and Logan have a 16-month-old daughter, Riley. In fact, David also enjoys wood working, and made Riley's crib. "When the time allows, I'll jump at almost any opportunity to make something." He even made all of the wood-built equipment at a local CrossFit gym where he's a member, which is something else he likes to do.

Then there's Ignite Church, where he and Logan are active members. "I run the church sound board each week," he said. He also likes to fish and hunt, and every year, his family enjoys vacationing with their extended families on Ocracoke Island. "It's such a nice get-away where we can just relax," he said.

It sounds like David is pretty hard-working and also knows what his priorities are. We're glad these are qualities in him, and many other employees, who help make up our "GUC family." 

Favorites

Movie: Forrest Gump
Snack: Ice cream
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Team: Carolina Panthers