Paul ‘PeeWee’ Gore began work at BEMC on Sept.4, 1979, as a Groundman, which is similar to an Apprentice 1 Lineman. He now serves as Supervisor of Contract Construction, and after more than 44 years on the job, readily admits that when he’s cut, he bleeds Brunswick blue. He is currently BEMC’s longest-serving employee.

What was it like being a lineman back in the day, and what is your work like now?

When I started, we had no bucket trucks, and we had to climb everything. No matter how high up the work was, we went. It was very physical. I’ve always been dedicated to the membership, doing whatever needs to be done to assist them. It’s very rewarding, seeing smiles on people’s faces, especially after a large storm. Today, I oversee new residential and commercial services, and conversions, on Oak Island. We’ve always been a fast-growing co-op, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. My job is to make sure people get the electricity they need at their new location, in a timely fashion.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

My wife Donna and I have a son and a daughter, and they each have a son and a daughter, so spending time with family is my favorite priority. We’re fixing up an aluminum boat for my grandson, who is 15 and lives next door. I’m teaching him how to weld, and he is loving it, and talking about getting certified. I also farm corn and soybeans, and I love to hunt deer, duck and turkeys, mostly just to get out and enjoy some free time. With turkeys, I just like seeing how close I can get him in to me by calling him. It’s going against his nature; the hens are the ones that come to him.

Are there some common threads in your work and home life?

Well, I like to ride my Harley, and I taught motorcycle safety for 18 years for the state through the community college system in Kinston, Robeson, Lumberton and Wilmington. I went through an intense course in 2000 to become an instructor. I grew up on motorcycles, and I wanted to see people ride correctly and safely, the same way I always taught fellow linemen to be safe. Do it safely, and do it right, applies to both, as does the 300 rule: 100% of the rules apply to 100% of the people, 100% of the time. It’s served me well, and I enjoy passing it along to others.