Joey Breeden has worked in our Gas Department as a Service Worker for almost three years. He performs safety checks for customer gas meters and service lines, provides response and resolutions for gas leak calls, and handles service cut-ons and cut-offs. Before joining GUC, Joey worked for Ferrell Gas, L.P. 

Fun fact! Joey was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps’ Aviation Life Support Systems for five years. During his service, he traveled to 12 countries, Australia being his favorite. 

What are some favorite things about your job? I enjoy researching new appliances and tools in the gas industry, which helps me find ways to make things easier for myself and my fellow gas technicians. I enjoy being mobile and seeing a lot of our territory, never knowing what task I may face next.  

What is your proudest career accomplishment? Earning my North Carolina Gas Piping Contractor’s License.  

What motivates you to work hard? Seeing a job from start to finish and finding a more efficient way to complete a job. 

How would you describe your job to a child? I turn the gas on or off. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to be a mechanic working on military tanks. 

What was your very first job? In high school, I worked for a Ford dealership performing tire changes and other services. 

What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry? Learn all that you can. Also, listen to those who have experience, but do your own research. Find out not just the “how” but the “why.” 

Any projects you’re working on that you’d like to share? I recently created a mock-up for a residential gas meter bypass that could minimize the amount of gas service disconnects and service interruptions for our customers. The bypass would allow us to keep gas running during service calls, avoiding interruptions.  

If you could switch jobs for just a week with someone, who would it be? Tony Cannon. At his level, I’d be able to see the bigger picture. 

Who is your hero? Jocko Willink. 

Do you have a favorite family recipe? My Aunt Vern’s chicken and dumplings. 

Have you ever had a nickname? My Marine Corps nickname was Spinner Bait.  

What would you like us to know about your family? My wife, Becky, and seventeen-year-old daughter, Lily, are the greatest things in my life. 

What would you do if you won the lottery? I’d split it up so that everyone I know could have a couple bucks. 

How would your family describe you in just a few words? Crazy Uncle Joey. 

Is there a celebrity you’d like to meet? Tim Kennedy. 

Do you have any hobbies? I enjoy working out and lifting weights, along with practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

What’s your most memorable facepalm moment? While working on a helicopter overseas, I walked headfirst into a hydraulic winch and knocked myself out. 

What do you want to accomplish this year either personally or in your career? I just want to be a better version of myself.