Wyatt Blackburn, Substation Construction/Maintenance Electrician II in the Electric Department, has been with GUC for three years. He performs electric substation maintenance and helps with load shaving generators and our Beat-the-Peak customer program. Wyatt joined GUC in 2021 in the Meter section before transitioning into his current role. He is a native of Greenville and attended Martin Community College. He has dedicated much of his life to being an outdoorsman, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout – a highly sought after distinction and top honor in Boy Scouts of America. Only six percent of Boy Scouts ever reach this top ranking. Before he joined GUC, he was an airplane mechanic where he performed light mechanical work. 

FUN FACT! Wyatt happened to land an airplane mechanic job by circumstance and timing. He said that men in the military were looking for help with their small engine planes, and he took the opportunity. Little did Wyatt know that after he repaired the planes, he would be test flying them with a pilot. “I got to fly the planes I fixed. I sat in the pilot’s seat. Flying those planes really wasn’t hard to do,” he said.  

What are some favorite things about your job? We get to do many different things. Every day it is something new. I really enjoy testing the transformers. That is satisfying work, and I know I am doing something important. 

What advice do you offer to those who are new to the utility industry? Learn as much as you can so you can utilize your skills for other projects. You could work toward advancement that way. I would say learn a wide range of skills, and GUC is a great place to learn.  

What would you like us to know about your family? I am married and have an 11-month-old son.  

What did you want to be when you were younger? I wanted to be a game warden.  

What is at the top of your bucket list? I hope to be able to travel all across North America and hunt big game.  

Do you collect anything or have any hobbies? I have rebuilt three boats by myself. That process can take up to six months. I will buy a boat that needs a lot of work and then fix it up.  

What is your biggest pet peeve? I don’t like when people show a lack of respect for the land and natural resources.  

What would you do if you won the lottery? If I won the lottery, I would buy as much land as I could for hunting for me and my friends. I would create a conservatory with it and get rid of invasive plant species that take over the plants that are native to the area.  

What is one thing that instantly makes your day better? Spending time with my wife and son. 

What is your favorite band or singer? I like different types of music. I like all 90s country, like Allen Jackson and Tim McGraw. I like Johnny Cash. But I also like Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem. 

What is your favorite thing to do when not at work? I like to hunt, fish, and go out on the boat. I enjoy taking my boat out on the Pamlico River. Right now, I am really enjoying my 17-foot aluminum boat with a duck blind that I fixed up.  

What have been your favorite travel destinations? I like exploring Eastern North Carolina, mostly the river and sound areas. The beach usually has too many people.