My name is Preston Gilliam and I am 24 years old. I currently live in East Bend North Carolina, but I grew up in Kernersville, NC. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2008. My degree was a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. I am currently working on a Master of Business Administration from East Carolina University. I am completing that program online. In addition to my master's degree I have started a Race Car Technology program at Forsyth Technical Community College. I know I sound like a lifelong student, but there is just so much out there I want to learn about. My main interest is the automotive industry. I hope to combine my business degrees with as much as I can possibly learn about cars so I can start my own car company one day. I love cars and dream of seeing my own brand on the road one day.
I first heard about Bike and Build from a friend who is hoping to be a leader on the trip. Brian had done a similar trip before with another organization and decided he wanted to join Bike and Build. He called me one day and started explaining the organization to me. I was afraid of where the conversation was going and then he said it, "I think we should both go on a Bike and Build trip!" Despite my doubts and concerns I knew I was already committed. It sounded like too much fun to turn down. I knew I would regret not doing the trip for the rest of my life.
I have helped with affordable housing projects before through Habitat for Humanity. While at App State I was in the Habitat for Humanity club. We worked on several projects in the mountains around Boone, NC and even went down to Florida to work once during Christmas break. It always makes me feel proud to think about what I have accomplished at an affordable housing build day. I particularly enjoy getting to work with the soon to be homeowners.
I am really looking forward to all the sites along the way. I fully intend to take advantage of every sightseeing opportunity that I can. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I get the feeling that as soon as it is over I am going to want to start all over again.
