HAMLET — Zachary Garner was born and raised in Robbins, but after graduating from N.C. State University with a degree in technology education, he decided to settle down in Hamlet.
“I actually taught for three years,” Garner said. “As you can see, I got out of that.”
Robbins is only a hop, skip and a jump from here, located in neighboring Moore County. Garner’s family still resides there, while he and his wife, Candace, have decided to invest in their new hometown.
“None of my family live here in Hamlet,” Garner said. “But when Candace and I met and got married we moved here and found a nice little place. We’ve been here for two and a half years.”
While teaching lost its appeal for Garner after the three years he spent in that field, the city of Hamlet’s information technology director enjoys keeping things running smoothly.
WHAT MOTIVATES HIM
“I just want to do the best job I can, whether it’s putting up a fence or designing something for the website. I have a thirst for knowledge, and I like to do a little bit of everything.”
PROUDEST MOMENT
“The year I took my class of sixth- through eighth-grade students to the Science Olympiad at St. Andrews University. Our group finished maybe fourth or fifth in robotics. But overall, the team finished third.”
BIGGEST INFLUENCE
“My uncle Frank. He’s a lawyer and a comic book nerd, a really great artist and really well-read.”
HOW HE UNWINDS
“I walk our dogs or I ride my bike.”
FUTURE GOALS
“I want to get my master’s in a technology field. There’s one at N.C. State for computer networking that I’m interested in.”
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT HIM
“The mayor said that when they hired Zach, they really hired three people,” Candace Garner said. “He’s really outgoing, works well with the public and is always willing to help. He’s very knowledgeable — and looks dapper in a floral tie.”
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @melonieflomer. Notable Neighbors is a series of personality profiles featuring Richmond County residents from all walks of life. Stories will appear in the Daily Journal on Thursday and online at YourDailyJournal.com. To nominate a Notable Neighbor, email Corey Friedman at [email protected].
