John Hart has been in GUC’s Water Department for almost 22 years. Before moving to his current role of Water Resources (WR) Systems Maintenance Crew Leader, he was on a WR heavy construction crew for 13 years. As a crew leader, John supervises one of the three crews in charge of cleaning programs for our sewer lines, along with maintaining rights-of-way for our sewer outfalls and some water mains. This includes inspecting and maintaining force main air releases, inspecting and reporting on restaurant grease traps and interceptors, conducting sewer crossing state inspections twice a year, and serving as stand-by for other WR crews. Before joining GUC, John worked at Grady White Boats for 15 years. 

Fun fact! If John ever won the lottery, he would buy land and start farming again, which was his job every summer growing up.  

What are your favorite things about your job? I like mowing the rights-of-way because I enjoy doing lawn care and spending time in nature, along with seeing the finished product. 

What motivates you to work hard? Feeling appreciated by our customers. 

What is your proudest career accomplishment? Being promoted to the crew leader position. 

What was your very first job? Tripp’s Tire in Ayden. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? A farmer like my father. 

What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry? GUC is a good company to work for and they allow for advancement, so learn all that you can. 

What is your favorite family tradition? Going to the mountains the weekend before Thanksgiving to pick out a live Christmas tree. 

What would you like us to know about your family? I’ve been married to my wife, Angela, for 29 years. We have a son, Joshua, who is a senior at Ayden-Grifton High School, and a daughter and son-in-law, Nikki and Tony Sorenson. I also have a granddaughter, Aedyn. I have four inside cats and multiple others outside. 

Who is your hero? My father. 

Have you ever had a nickname? I’ve always been called Johnny to distinguish me from my grandfather who was also John. 

What have been your favorite travel destinations? Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Hershey, Pennsylvania; and the Outer Banks. 

Do you have any hobbies? I like to garden and share the vegetables with friends and neighbors.  

What emoji do you use the most? Thumbs up. 

What app do you use the most? ESPN. 

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi, but I mostly drink Diet Mountain Dew. 

What’s your favorite thing to do when not at work? Spend time with my family. 

What is at the top of your bucket list? Go to the Florida Keys. 

Do you have a favorite sports team? The Washington Commanders. 

What’s your favorite season of the year? Spring. 

What’s your favorite snack? Peanut M&Ms. 

Beach or mountains? Mountains. 

What is your favorite restaurant? Carrabba’s.