Parts Manager Ben Gibbs has retired after 20 years of service with GUC’s Fleet Maintenance, a section of the Finance Department. Employees in the field wouldn’t be able to do their jobs without our trucks, trailers, and equipment being kept in top-notch shape by the hard work and dedication of the employees in Fleet Maintenance, also known as the Garage. Our Fleet Maintenance team is responsible for 270 vehicles (from pickups and SUVs to bucket trucks), 283 pieces of equipment (from chainsaws to bulldozers), and 130 trailers. 

As Parts Manager, Ben was responsible for maintaining the Garage inventory by coordinating the purchase, stock, and issuing of shop parts, including oil inventory. He also assisted Fleet Manager Billy Moseley with monitoring our on-site fuel system and making sure we’re in compliance with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.  

Before joining GUC, Ben owned and managed a local auto parts store for 38 years. While earning his Business Economics degree from East Carolina University, Ben worked as a mechanic at a garage. He also served in the United States Army for seven years where he received more mechanic training. After joining GUC, Ben used his experience in the auto parts and mechanics industry to develop GUC’s parts inventory program. 

“I just love to work, even on projects at home, so retirement is bittersweet,” he said. “We really spend more time at work sometimes than we do at home, so this will certainly be a change. I’ve enjoyed all the challenges in this job and learned a lot here as well.” 

Ben and his wife, Mary, a Certified Public Accountant, have a son and a daughter plus three grandchildren. Ben says he looks forward to spending more time with family and renewing friendships, on top of his home projects. 

Good luck in retirement, Ben. You will be missed!