Employee Spotlight: Garrett Tillman

Job Title: Operations Support Specialist
Location: Roanoke Branch
Tenure: 3 months
Are you involved in any other clubs or organizations? I have been active with Habitat for Humanity during the last year. I've been helping with local projects when I have free time. I enjoy being active and contributing to my community.
Has anyone in particular in your family had a significant impact on you? My grandfather, Jerry, has definitely had a significant impact on me. He ran his own music store, taught guitar and played in several bands. He always had endless curiosity and mastered a lot of different crafts and subjects. I try my best to carry his hunger for knowledge.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in the piedmont region of South Carolina, in between Rock Hill and Charlotte. I moved to Charleston before finally settling in Roanoke, Virginia. I've felt drawn to the Blue Ridge Mountains more than any other place.
What is your favorite personal mantra or motto? I try to always treat others how I want to be treated and avoid too much criticism. Sometimes that's hard to stick by, like when I’m stuck in traffic; however, it's always easier to just be respectful.
What is your favorite movie? I have a couple favorite movies, but it probably comes down to the original Star Wars trilogy.
What is your favorite season? I'm sure many would say the same, but fall is my favorite season. It's so beautiful in the mountains and I love an excuse to stay warm indoors with family. It's like winter, but without having to shovel snow!
Tell us about your hobbies. I have a bad habit of trying out new hobbies and throwing out old ones. Right now, I'm working to improve my traditional archery skills and learning to play the guitar.
What is a recommendation you'd make to a tourist traveling to your current town? I enjoyed doing a discovery flight with my girlfriend, Cheyenne (pictured below). The flight is offered near the airport and they give you an amazing view of Roanoke.

What's your go-to productivity tip or trick? I use the Eisenhower Focus Matrix. Things can be organized according to those which are urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important and neither urgent nor important.
What is the most interesting part of your job? I really love the opportunities I have to examine a problem from multiple perspectives. Even though the individual aspects of my work do not take long to complete, there are always things to learn.