Featured Employee Robin Walston, Water Resources Construction Inspector 

Water Resources Construction Inspector Robin Walston joined GUC 11 years ago as an Equipment Operator IV before later joining the team of two other Construction Inspectors. Robin and the others inspect Water Resources infrastructure projects that involve outside contractors. They ensure that all extensions to GUC’s water and sewer systems are being constructed according to contract specifications and GUC standards. They visit job sites while the projects are in progress to coordinate connections to the existing GUC systems and also provide inspection throughout the installation of new facilities. Following installations, they monitor systems pressure testing. For water system extensions, they coordinate disinfection and bacteriological testing for water quality assurance. Before joining GUC, Robin owned a grading and landscaping business.  

FUN FACT!  Robin is responsible for preparing the track for the Pinetops 300’ Tractor and Truck Pull each year. 

What are some favorite things about your job? I enjoy working with the folks here. 

What did you want to be when you were younger? A farmer or equipment operator. I grew up helping my granddad on the farm and wanted to be an equipment operator, or whatever took me outside, ever since. 

What motivates you to work hard? Watching my parents work hard growing up, I guess it was instilled in me early on. If I want nice things for myself or the family, I need to work hard at it.  

What is your proudest career accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment was running my own business. Here at GUC, it was landing the Inspector job.  

What was your very first job? Picking cucumbers. 

Any GUC projects you’re working on that you’d like to share? My current project is inspection of our water installation at the new Acadia Behavioral Healthcare construction site. 

What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry? Stay on top of any trainings or certification opportunities that come your way. 

What would you like us to know about your family? My wife, Sherry, and I have two daughters, Victoria and Morgan, two grandsons, Landon and Carter, three dogs, one cat, a horse, and a pony.  

What is your favorite family or holiday tradition? When the family gets together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or really any holiday. 

Do you have a favorite family recipe? Boston butt on the grill.  

Have you ever had a nickname? My friends used to call me Bird Man. 

Who is your favorite band or singer? Lynyrd Skynyrd. 

Given a chance, who would you like to be for one day? Me. I wouldn’t want to trade with anyone else. 

What have been your favorite travel destinations? Nashville, Tennessee. 

What would you do if you won the lottery? After tithing, taking care of my family, and paying off bills, I’d buy a bigger boat.

Is there a celebrity you’d like to meet? Steven Seagal. 

Do you collect anything or have any hobbies? I like fishing and collecting old bottles, arrowheads, and sharks’ teeth. 

What emoji do you use the most? Laugh/cry and thumbs up. 

Which apps do you use the most? Weather radar. 

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi. 

What is at the top of your bucket list? Get our new creek side lot ready to build on. 

If given the chance, what time period would you want to want to live in? 1980’s. 

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

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

Do have you have a favorite sports team? ECU football and baseball. 

What is your favorite local restaurant? Moore’s BBQ. 

What is your favorite movie? Forrest Gump. 

Beach or mountains? Beach. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve? Someone saying, “I can’t.” 

What’s your favorite quote? “Tighten up every chance you get,” which I adopted from a friend.  

What is one thing that instantly makes your day better? Sunshine or sunrise.