Phi Kappa Psi - University of Texas

What or who inspired you to join a fraternity and what made Phi Kappa Psi the right fit? There were a lot of friends from my high school going to Texas, many of whom were being heavily recruited that summer by one particular fraternity. My father, Hank Gilliam '50, pledged Phi Psi at UT but never pushed me to join any fraternity, let alone his. But he gave me something to think about: If I did decide to join, would it be a club that already has a bunch of people from my high school in it, or do I want an entirely new experience? So I went to a Phi Psi event where I met Bill Stokes '80 and Barry Jones '80. Throw in a Miller, a Pennington, and a Kessler, then add a Carpenter, Cramer, Roberts, Throckmorton, Cheney…and it was game over. How has being a member of Texas Alpha Chapter shaped you as a person? How has it made a positive impact on your life overall? It's funny – you'll find, literally – as I was just having this conversation with my son who was recently accepted to the Cockrell School of Engineering at our beloved alma mater. Most people say, and I agree, that along with the comfort of having an "instant family" at such an enormous school, being in a fraternity directly, and by its very nature, does teach you essential skills such as leadership, organization, conflict resolution, manners, how to dress, time management, respecting women, etc. However, one thing I am thankful for that often goes unmentioned (but is important in this life) is how Phi Psi helped develop my sense of humor. My fraternity brothers were then, and to this day continue to be, the wittiest and most hilariously devastating people I have ever known. How if at all, did Phi Kappa Psi impact your career path? My time at the fraternity helped me discover and develop a somewhat latent self-confidence. Taking on new responsibilities, being held accountable individually and as a team of pledge brothers, growing thicker skin, banding together against the relentless bullying we all suffered from Tom Pennington '80… All of my Phi Psi experience helped immensely while navigating life after college. Can you describe a "typical" day on the job as co-founder and CEO at TakeStock LLC? What are the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of that job? People don't truly know what they own. TakeStock is helping homeowners by using 360º imaging technology and proprietary software to perform state-of-the-art, customized home inventories. Having a home inventory proves invaluable when facing a life event such as a home disaster, theft, or death in the family, as well as in estate planning, trust, and divorce matters. My day is typically spent attempting to educate and align various channels within an enormous market while keeping the company moving forward and a team productive and happy. As with many startups, it's super challenging and a lot of fun, peppered with moments of sheer terror. What are you most proud of in your career and/or your family life? I began my career selling black market candy and Butterfly ® yo-yos at egregiously high margins to fellow fifth graders during lunch. After The Man (a.k.a. my teacher, Mrs. Duff) unexpectedly shut down that business, I was more committed than ever to become an entrepreneur. I love to build something from just an idea, while creating wealth and opportunity for other people and families. To quote the Peace Corps, "it's the toughest job you'll ever love." But that is it exactly, and my amazing wife and three kids continue to ride along happily on the roller coaster. They are beyond anything I ever expected in life. What are some of your favorite Texas Alpha memories from your time as an undergraduate and/or as an alumnus? Scott Noble '81 and I were pledge brothers, officers, and roommates for several memorable years. Add to that a rather vibrant cast of characters that made up Phi Psi in the early '80s, and I can't tell you how much fun we had! No, really. I am legally prohibited from telling you. How have you stayed in touch with Texas Alpha brothers over the years? Why is it important to you to stay connected to the brotherhood? Texas Alpha is incredibly special in that it creates a bond between men that never, ever breaks. I am lucky to be a part of a tight-knit group of just under 20 brothers who still get together often and after four decades. We still talk trash, still say "go schmeebs," won't stop texting inappropriate jokes, and help and love each other and our families as if we are one. Why is it important to you to give back to the brotherhood through financial support? Many incredibly dedicated brothers do so, so much more. It's all just a part of paying it forward in thanks for what, to many, is ALPHA AVALANCHE | TEXAS ALPHA | PHI KAPPA PSI | | SPRING EDITION 2020 CHRIS GILLIAM '81 FOUND SECOND FAMILY AT TEXAS ALPHA CANDIDLY SHARES LASTING VALUE OF PHI PSI EXPERIENCE Chris lives in Dallas with his wife, Lisa, and their three children, Mason (18), Truman (15), and Gianna (12). He can be reached at ctg@trumas. com or via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ chris-gilliam-a44920. continued on page 5

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