Gary Robinson, Sr

Security Officer | Columbus, GA

After my parents realized that I loved singing and music, they bought me a guitar when I was six years old. One Sunday, my mother took me by the hand to the choir loft before service started and told me, “Baby, God gave you a gift.” She was a singer too and encouraged me to sing and I promised her that I would always use my voice.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved all types of music, including country, rock ’n’ roll, and rhythm and blues. But my favorite artist is Marvin Gaye. He impacted people, and I want to have the same effect on others.

I grew up in a family of singers so when I followed my older brother, Michael, and joined the Navy, we became a duo and won karaoke competitions and talent shows during our overseas deployment. But the biggest wins were entertaining others through our music, deepening our relationship and making friends far and wide.

After six months at Synovus, a fellow security officer convinced me to serenade her, and I was overheard singing by a member of the executive team. The next day I was invited to sing "Happy Birthday", and I had no idea who I was going to sing for. When I got there it was my honor to sing for Chairman, CEO and President Kevin Blair! Mr. Blair encouraged me to keep singing because the impact was so special. Ever since that day, the Synovus birthday serenade was born.

Making people happy through song is my biggest passion, and the stories people share after I serenade them always touch my heart. For example, one time when I called to sing "Happy Birthday" to a Synovus team member, she cried and told me that my call was a gift from her late father, who used to do the same. I’m always honored and humbled by the impact my singing has on people.

Today, I call up to 30 team members daily to sing the "Happy Birthday" song. That’s about 1,500–2,000 songs to date!

The special bond with my Synovus family was strengthened when I faced a serious health challenge. Team members rallied around me, and I was determined to get well to continue sharing my ministry of song.

I will always use my songs to minister to others and provide comfort. Even at my age, I’m committed to continuing my ministry training and blessing people with my gift. Last May, I graduated from Highlands College with a certificate in ministry, and I’m open to wherever my calling leads me.

My journey is marked by resilience, service and the gift of music. It’s also a testament that one man's voice can make a difference. My devotion to sharing my 'joyful noise' extends beyond the office and is my way of reaching individuals one at a time.