Chick-fil-A employee says it’s his pleasure to keep working at 92 years old

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT/Gray News) – While many people retire in their 60s, retirement is not in the vocabulary of 92-year-old Gilbert Martin.

Martin, affectionately known as Mr. Gil, has been working at a Chick-fil-A in Wilmington, North Carolina for the last six years as a dining host.

“I make sure the tables are clean, the floor is clean,” Martin said. “But the main thing is I take care of people out here first.”

From natural gas to greeting customers

Martin previously worked in the natural gas industry for decades. When he retired, he worked at Sam’s Club for over 12 years as a greeter until his position was eliminated.

“After two months, I got bored and put in an application,” Martin said.

Since that day, he has come to work at Chick-fil-A.

“If you enjoy what you’re doing, it’s not work, and I look forward to coming in,” Martin said. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”

Customers notice when he’s gone

Martin works Monday through Friday at the restaurant and customers take notice if he’s not there.

“He had to take a couple days off, I think he had a cold,” said Mike Perdue, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Oleander. “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 said.

Martin said his schedule gives him more opportunities to be there for others.

“I get a lot of people that are coming in, just been to the doctor, and got bad news,” he said. “I’m able to be an encourager; the Lord gave me that.”

Martin said he has no plans to leave and invites customers to say hi if they see him working.

“I don’t know what 92 is supposed to feel like, but I feel great,” Martin said.