Scott Mullis, Director of Customer Relations, began his utility career in 1988 with Florida Power and Light after graduating from Liberty College. He went from Meter Reader to Marketing Analyst before moving to North Carolina and joining Greenville Utilities in 1996. He came to GUC as a Credit Supervisor and in 2009, became our first Assistant Director of Customer Relations. Scott has been in his current role of Director of Customer Relations since 2021 and is responsible for the department’s daily operations and budgeting.
On a national level, Scott enjoys serving as a presenter and member of various steering committees for the American Public Power Association (APPA). One of his most recent roles with APPA was Chair of its Customer Relations tract of the annual Customer Connection’s Conference. Locally, Scott volunteers in leadership roles for the Pitt/Greenville Crime Stoppers (currently Board Chair), the GUC/City of Greenville Credit Union (now Board Treasurer), and the Ayden Golf and Country Club.
FUN FACT: Scott played college football at Liberty University. He also enjoys playing golf and has won the Ayden Club Championship four times.
Did you choose leadership or did leadership choose you? Leadership chose me. As I progressed in my utility career, I found myself in more leadership roles both directly and indirectly.
What have you enjoyed most about your leadership role? At this point in my career, it has been satisfying to see employees I hired many years ago progress into leadership roles.
What have you enjoyed most about your career in the utility industry? The changes in technology during my 37 years has been amazing. I have also had the opportunity to meet many colleagues across the country and work for many different leaders.
What advice do you give to those new to a leadership role? Listen more than you speak, lead by example, and don’t hesitate to invest your time in leadership training.
How do you approach decision-making in challenging situations? Be thoughtful in your approach to decision making, especially challenging ones. The more information you can uncover, the better decision you will likely make. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your peers, staff, and others who may have faced a similar decision.
Did you have any role models or mentors who helped you along the way, and can you share any of their advice? I have worked for many different leaders over the course of my career. The best leaders are the ones who genuinely care about the people they lead. They allow you the space to grow but are always available to provide guidance. They give appropriate amounts of praise and recognize the effort of their employees. They are humble but also have confidence that they can get any job done.
How do you prioritize work-life balance as a leader? It’s difficult not to take job related decisions and stress home with you. However, it is important to have a life outside of work and keep your family at the center of your life.
What did you want to be when you were younger? A baseball player.
What is your proudest career accomplishment? Seeing employees who I had a role in hiring prospering in their careers. The most important accomplishments are those shared with our team.
What was your very first job? Construction job building houses.
What would you like us to know about your family? My wife, Michele, and I have five kids collectively and a 6-year-old grandson. We are diehard Carolina Hurricane fans and like to spend time in our pool, gardening, fishing, and entertaining.
What is your favorite family or holiday tradition? Giving gifts at Christmas and seeing the joy it brings your loved ones and family.
Who is your favorite band, singer, or music genre? I like all kinds of music, including Third Day, Kenny Chesney, Shinedown, and many classic rock bands like the Stones and Eagles.
What have been your favorite travel destinations? Siesta Key, Florida; Blowing Rock, North Carolina; and San Antonio, Texas.
Do you collect anything or have any hobbies? Golfing, fishing, and beaching.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Traveling to the Caribbean.
What’s your favorite season of the year? Summer.
Do have you have a favorite sports team? Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Braves, and Miami Dolphins.
Do you have a favorite quote? “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If everyone practiced this, the world would be a better place.
