Chip Skinner’s Path from Twistee Treat to Public Utility Leadership

From Ice Cream Stands to Citywide Strategy

Chip Skinner didn’t start out with much. In fact, he missed school field trips growing up because his family couldn’t afford them. But he never felt deprived. His parents supported his hobbies—from boating and comics to playing the trumpet. Looking back, he says, “I didn’t notice the money problems much. I was always busy doing things I loved.”

Today, Chip Skinner is a trusted consultant and a Governor-appointed board director for Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (GRUA). His work spans communications, public relations, utility oversight, and youth sports. But his journey started with ice cream, constant moves, and a family full of hustle.

Early Lessons from a Family Startup

Skinner’s early years were shaped by change. He lived in places like Chicago, the Florida Keys, and Cave City, Kentucky. By high school, he settled in Cape Coral, FL, then headed to Gainesville for college. “We moved a lot,” he says. “It taught me how to adapt fast.”

His father was an entrepreneur who worked in sales, ran restaurants, and started businesses—including the original Twistee Treat Corporation. The family moved to North Fort Myers to expand the business. “That company becoming public changed our lives,” Skinner shares.

But when his parents divorced in 1989, life shifted again. His relationship with his father grew distant. “He was a workaholic and kind of checked out,” Chip says. “I always pushed myself to be better than that.”

A Degree in English, A Mind for Strategy

Skinner earned his BA in English from the University of Florida in 1992, with a minor in Secondary Education. At first, he explored different paths—restaurants, copywriting, and nonprofit fundraising. But communications became his niche. “I liked taking complex issues and explaining them clearly,” he says.

His ability to speak to different audiences led to a role as a consultant for the Florida Department of Transportation. A turning point came during a live TV interview about a roadway accident. After giving the official line on camera, he was caught off guard when the mic stayed live. He casually explained how going over a road depression at 65 mph could send a car airborne. That moment taught him a lasting lesson: “Always treat every mic like it’s hot.”

Building Community Through Lacrosse

While building his consulting business, Skinner also poured energy into something personal—youth lacrosse. He founded Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc. (GALAXI) to offer more athletic opportunities for local kids. Over the years, he coached middle school, junior varsity, and now serves as the Varsity Boys Head Coach at Eastside High School.

“Seeing how mentorship helps others succeed means everything to me,” he says. “I get emotional when former players or students thank me.”

He isn’t chasing trophies. For Skinner, it’s about impact. “My goal now is to maintain what I’ve built and live within my means,” he says. “That, and make sure I’m giving time to what matters most.”

Oversight and Leadership at Gainesville Regional Utilities

In 2024, Chip Skinner took on a new challenge: serving as a board director at GRUA, the public authority that oversees Gainesville’s electric, water, and gas services. Appointed by the governor, he works directly with the utility’s CEO on issues like customer rates, project planning, intergovernmental affairs, and public trust.

It’s a role that pulls from everything he’s learned. “I triage work into four buckets: Urgent, Semi-Urgent, Normal, and WIGI—When I Get to It,” he says. That system helps him balance consulting, board duties, and coaching. “I believe in under-promising and over-delivering.”

He brings a unique blend of street smarts and strategic thinking to the job. “You have to stay engaged in your industry. If you aren’t learning, you’re stagnant,” he says.

Grounded by Struggles, Driven by Family

Skinner’s motivation comes from real-life experiences—watching friends and family start businesses, often under tough conditions. “Remembering their struggles keeps me moving,” he shares. He also credits his four kids and granddaughter for keeping his drive alive.

Even after decades of work, Skinner doesn’t call himself a success. Instead, he measures impact differently. “Client happiness means more to me than numbers. If someone says I helped them, that’s everything.”

He’s also learned that rest is non-negotiable. “You’ve got to take time away from the grind for yourself and your people,” he says.

A Leader Who Listens, Then Leads

Chip Skinner isn’t flashy. He’s not trying to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, he focuses on being honest, reliable, and clear. “I try to be the kind of person others can count on,” he says.

Whether guiding utility decisions, coaching teens, or helping clients navigate PR challenges, Skinner leads by example—and by listening. “You’ve got to communicate to many audiences at once,” he says. “And you’ve got to mean it.”

In a world that’s often chasing the next big thing, Skinner’s steady approach stands out. He doesn’t just build strategies—he builds trust.

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