Managing the inventory of four utilities requires an organized staff, skilled at juggling various tasks. The mission of GUC’s Stores Warehouse Technicians, like Jay Wetherington, is to keep the operating departments running in an efficient manner while maintaining a high level of safety and exceptional customer service. Jay has been with GUC since 2010, with three of those years in Stores, and he seems to have the “exceptional customer service” part down pat.

Stores is where approximately $6.7 million in inventory is kept and well-maintained for our Electric, Gas, and Water Resources crews. It’s Jay’s job to help organize, keep track of, and distribute that inventory. He and the other Technicians make sure everything stays organized as they unload and check-in freight trucks at the warehouse or in the stockyard.

“Multi-tasking is a big part of our job in Stores, and I enjoy that part of it,” said Jay. He says he spends about 90% of his time at the counter, where crews usually go first for parts from inside the warehouse, and to fill out pick tickets. “We get to interact with a lot of employees, and I enjoy that aspect of the job, too, especially when it comes to helping someone figure something out.”

Helping others and figuring things out is something Jay says he’s always enjoyed, which is why he is currently enrolled in Pitt Community College’s Information Technology Support and Services degree program. “I have always picked up on technology pretty quickly and have taught myself what I know,” he said. “My family and friends come to me to troubleshoot electronics, and I never hesitate to help them out.”

Jay also doesn’t hesitate to help family out with various projects around their homes. A Greenville native, Jay has a big family that mostly lives in this area, so he says he doesn’t mind stepping in to help build a patio or set up a sound system. “I grew up helping my dad build stuff for our home or for family, and we still enjoying doing that together,” he said. “I enjoy it all, from building porches, decks, patios, and shops, to installing and fixing computers, setting up entertainment and surround sound systems, installing floors, you name it.”

Jay and his wife, LeAnne, have been married for almost 15 years. They met soon after Jay graduated from D.H. Conley 17 years ago. LeAnne is the Administrative Assistant in the Customer Relations Department, and also from Greenville, so they enjoy spending most of their time with friends and family right here in Pitt County.

“We’re also big movie fans,” said Jay. “I’m kind of old school and prefer buying DVDs instead of streaming.” Jay also enjoys gaming and music. He has a few bass guitars that he’s taught himself to strum on, and hopes to one day get more serious about learning to play. “With work, school, and projects around the house, I’ve had to put the guitars on the back burner.”

On top of his busy schedule, Jay is also half-way through iLead, GUC’s internal leadership program. He’s on track to graduate from iLead in November of this year. “In iLead, I’ve really enjoyed learning how our personality and communication style affects us at work and in everyday life,” he said, “and how small changes can make big impacts.”

We wish all the luck to Jay in his endeavors to make a big impact at GUC and in the community we serve.

Favorite Movie: Ghostbusters

Favorite Book: Who Knew? Series

Favorite TV Show: Supernatural

Favorite Restaurant: Wasabi 88

Favorite Vacation: Oak Island