At 14 years old, Accounting Technician I Tevin Gilliam was working in a lumberyard in Ahoskie, cutting lumber to size and loading it with a forklift. Even at an early age, he understood that hard work meant independence.
“As a young man, I wanted to make my own income and be financially independent,” Tevin said. He explained that he had a single mother and didn’t want to be a financial burden on the household. He worked there for four years – the entire time he was in high school in Bertie County Schools.
Bertie County offered Tevin few diversions, but what he grew to love was football and fishing, both becoming lifelong passions for him.
“In Bertie, everything closes down early and there is nothing within 20 miles in any direction,” Tevin said with a smile.
Along the shore of the Cashie River, Tevin found peace in fishing. “Windsor is near a lot of water, so fishing was my thing growing up. I find something very therapeutic about being by the water and watching it flow calmly and endlessly,” he said.
When he graduated from high school, he left the confines of Bertie County to attend Finlandia University in Upstate Michigan to play football. The sport took a toll on his body, and after several severe injuries, he retired from football to return to North Carolina.
He moved back in 2016 and went on to earn an Associate Degree in Business Administration. During that time, he began working at Sherwin-Williams where he met a GUC retiree, James Edwards, who told him about the benefits of working at GUC.
“I wanted something more stable. I wanted a career,” Tevin said.
In August of 2023, Tevin was hired at the Stores Warehouse, operating a forklift.
From there, he moved into his current role as Accounting Technician I where he processes invoices and makes sure we are paying our expenses on time. He processes customer refunds and checks, and sets up new vendors.
He also attends Fayetteville State University with a full course load, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He is set to graduate in May.
Tevin has always possessed a deep-rooted work ethic that led him to GUC. Though the reasons for such a strong sense of duty have changed over time, the sentiment has remained the same.
“Now, I am working on changing the narrative of my family and my last name. I had a rough upbringing with financial instability, which is why I’m passionate about learning finance. Now, I want to start building generational wealth. I have been working towards that since I met my wife. My family has given me a new sense of purpose,” Tevin said.
FUN FACT: I broke every single one of my fingers playing football.
What are some favorite things about your job?
I enjoy the learning opportunities, and there is room for growth. I also enjoy my coworkers and the flexibility.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to go to the NFL. I appreciate where I am now. I don’t know if I would want the flashy life that NFL players have.
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
The first time I processed payments and printed vendor checks by myself. When I did that, I realized I am capable of learning and performing this job.
What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry?
Go into it open minded and willing to learn. Don’t become content. There is always something new to learn and there is also always someone here willing to teach you.
What would you like us to know about your family (spouse, kids, pets, geographical locations, etc.)?
I have been married to my wife, Damira, for six years, but we have been together for nine years all together. I have two children, my one-year-old son Tristan, and my four-year-old daughter Tiana.
What is your favorite family or holiday tradition?
At the beginning of December, we go out of town for a couple of days. It’s not always the same place, but at the same time each year.
Have you ever had a nickname?
It’s Pooh Bear. My grandma gave me that name. When I was little, I really liked Pooh Bear, and I also walked around in a t-shirt that was too small wearing a diaper. So, she called me Pooh Bear.
Who is your favorite band or singer?
The Isley Brothers
What have been your favorite travel destinations?
I like Florida, it’s got a whole different feel and vibe. Next to that, it would be the Outer Banks.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery, I would buy a house and 100 acres of land, and then I’d put the rest of it in a bank account and be set for the rest of my life.
Is there a celebrity you’d like to meet?
I’d like to meet Lebron James. It is his work ethic and the way he puts time into his craft that is inspirational. His drive inspires me to be my best.
Do you collect anything or have any hobbies?
I like to play video games, specifically football or sports games.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely a morning person.
Any advice on turning a bad day into a good day?
As long as you are not in the ground, you have a chance to get off the ground when life knocks you down.
Which apps do you use the most?
TikTok
What’s your favorite thing to do when not at work?
I love spending time with my babies.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Graduating in May. I’d like to pursue a master’s degree in finance as well.
What’s your favorite season of the year?
Spring
What’s your favorite snack?
Reese’s
Do you have a favorite sports team?
I am a lifelong 49ers fan.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Pirate’s Deli on 10th Street – they make the best chopped cheese sandwich.
What is your favorite movie?
I like The Pursuit of Happyness and The Blindside.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Poor hygiene and not being clean. It’s one of those things that we have control over.
What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
Seeing my wife at the end of the day makes my heart smile. Getting to go home to a woman who loves me and a woman who I love is a blessing.
What are you looking forward to?
I look forward to growing in my position and growing in the field of finance. I want to learn and then apply what I learn to my job.
What are your favorite things about life right now?
Watching my babies grow every day. I am also becoming a better me every day and growing in my relationship with God.
If you could give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Just keep going.
What is your favorite memory from childhood?
The first time I picked up a football and ran. I was the fastest kid in my family, and no one could catch me.
Do you prefer to make plans or be spontaneous?
I like to have plans, but I also like to just go somewhere without a plan, too.
