Employee Spotlight: Carlton Wykle

Where are you originally from and what drew you to Virginia Tech and Blacksburg? 
I am originally from Frankford, West Virginia. I was drawn to Virginia Tech because it is one of the best public land grant institutions on the eastern seaboard and to Blacksburg because it is a beautiful college town with charm. Coming here felt like coming home to a place I’d never been before.

What are you working on now? What’s interesting or challenging about it?
Procurement assists the acquisition of goods, services, software, and construction. I work on a variety, but some of the most interesting projects are contract negotiation, helping researchers acquire equipment and software, as well as assisting with solicitation for new and upcoming construction projects around campus. 

Outside of the office, what’s something that you’re passionate about?
Definitely nature. I enjoy experiencing it in all its facets. I am definitely an earth spirit. 

What is your favorite . . .
Food: Wings in all kinds of varieties.
Cereal: Honey Graham Oh’s
Beverage: It’s got to be my coffee and tea. I can’t go without them.
Movie: Rocket Boys and its subsequent film adaptation October Sky are my favorites. I resonate with them a lot. 
Holiday: Thanksgiving. I enjoy time with family, good food, and football. 
Phone Apps: YouTube, Google, and Facebook Messenger

What’s your favorite place you’ve visited? 
Probably Cincinnati, Ohio. I grew up in a very rural area and that was the first major American city I was able to experience so I will forever hold that memory close.

Where have you never been, but would love to visit?
I would very much like to visit Alaska. I would like to see the natural beauty of “The Final Frontier.”

And more favorites . . .
Sport: I am a HUGE college football fan. I like the Hokies and of course the Mountaineers from my Alma Mater WVU.
Favorite musician or band: I listen to a little bit of everything, but I really enjoy 90s alternative. Oasis is my favorite band. 
Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include guitar, fishing, hiking, biking, gardening, bread baking, hobby prospecting, watching sports, video games, and spending time with my cat - a black cat named Vinny.

What TV show are you currently watching that others need to check out? Are you into podcasts?
I’ve been watching Suits recently. It’s an exciting show. And I listen to a lot of personal finance podcasts/ YouTube creators like Dave Ramsey, The Money Guy Show, and Smart Money Bro.

Who is one person in history you wish you could’ve met? 
Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. 

If you could have lunch with any 3 living people, who would you choose and why? 
I would choose Nick Saban, David Goggins, and Warren Buffett. I think they could all provide invaluable advice on the path to chasing excellence. Nick Saban with team excellence, David Goggins with individual excellence, and Warren Buffett with financial excellence.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Probably the ability to teleport. It would be so useful. 

What was your first job?
I was an assembler at Walmart. I built bikes, furniture, grills, and even a few go-carts. 

You can only keep 3 things when stranded on a desert island. What are they? 
Rope, a tarp, and a hatchet.

What's one thing on your bucket list? 
To hike or bike the entirety of the Greenbrier River Trail back home. 

Favorite quote?
“Smooth seas never made for skilled sailors” - FDR