Dad: Seafood Clerk Rick Ardizzone, #643, New Port Richey, Florida
Submitted by: Training Developer Kristin Simpson
My brother [Social Media Quality Specialist Rich Ardizzone] and I were thrilled when our dad, Rick Ardizzone, told us he filled out an application at the River Crossing Publix, #643. We were beyond excited when he told us he was offered a position as a part-time seafood clerk and had joined the Publix family! That was a year ago. Prior to coming to Publix, he served the community through his professional careers in a number of ways. He protected and served the Pasco County area as a deputy sheriff, always upholding the law in a very ethical and professional manner. After 14 years, he decided to go back to school and obtain a Master’s Degree in Education and become a teacher, which is the profession from which he retired. During his 31-year teaching career, not only did he win over his students with his antics, but he also provided them with a quality education and interest in their future. He began his teaching and coaching careers in the high school, but soon found that his niche was with the younger kids in the middle school. He is still the girls’ and boys’ basketball coaches at Gulf Middle School, with the longest reign as coach — 21 years! When my brother and I worked in our stores, it was daily that someone said to us, “Is your dad Mr. Ardizzone? Wow, I loved him!” He also coached my brother’s little league baseball team for 10 years and his school basketball team, which happened to be his best boys’ season ever! Currently, he is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, when he’s not serving our customers behind the seafood counter. Our dad has always had such a great work ethic, something we’ve learned from him. He has been an outstanding role model for us and for many others along the way. He would do anything in the world for us and our mom, Cathy, his wife of 42 years. We are so proud to call him our dad. In the garden of dads, God picked us the very best! Happy Father’s Day, Dad. We love you!
Dad: Cashier Daniel Silvia, #177, Jacksonville, Florida
Submitted by: Vendor Rebate Analyst Brandon Silvia
My dad is a retired senior chief with the United States Navy with over 20 years of service prior to joining Publix. When he came to Publix he started in the seafood department, and it was at his encouragement that I started with Publix as a bagger when I was 17. What truly makes my dad special and unique is that when I turned 18, I moved into the meat department and actually got to work alongside him. (He actually completed a lot of my training and to this day, even though I have been out of the store for years, I still remember all the prep for health inspection and HACCP guidelines for food safety.) Working alongside your dad — as you can imagine — is much different than having him just be dad. But he taught me so much more than things like inventory counts, ordering, and Steri-Tech inspections. He taught me that our customers are more than shoppers or guests; they are our friends and neighbors.We help make their holidays and birthdays happen and encouraged me to always go the extra mile to help others. He is the type of person who would do anything to help anyone, because like Mr. George, he believes that things will be a little bit better, or not quite as good, because of your actions. And he has shown me through the advice, encouragement and love he has given me over the years in the Navy, at Publix, and (what I am most proud of) as my father. When I first started at Publix, nothing made me more proud and happy when people would ask if Dan was my dad. Spending my first few years at Publix watching him constantly go above and beyond, working to provide the best experience for both our customers and our coworkers made me proud beyond words, and was an example I still strive to emulate over a decade later.
Dad: Lakeland Director of Merchandising David Barth
Submitted by: Front Service Clerk Adam Barth, #828, Sarasota, Florida
My dad has worked at Publix for a total of 36 years. He began working for Publix at the age of 14 as a front service clerk in Sarasota. Working his way up through the ranks he became a produce manager, assistant store manager and then store manager. Later he was promoted to district manager. That is where I began to see the impact my dad had on other people. He always works very hard to better himself and the people around him every day. That includes me and everyone who works for Publix. He has a very serious drive to make Publix a better place to shop and work. He truly cares about other people and will work with them and mentor and teach them so they can be their best. I always looked forward to ‘Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day’ because I could go to his office and on store visits. When he walked into stores, everyone was so happy to see him and talk to him. They cared about him and he cared about them. And every person I talked to — whether my dad was next to me or not — would tell me about how great of a friend, district manager and leader and person he is. He has always provided great leadership and strongly believes in and goes by the core values of Publix. Then, in 2012 he was promoted to be the director of merchandising. He now has such a large footprint in the Lakeland division and works with so many great people from store managers to vendors, vice presidents and even [CEO & President] Todd Jones. My dad always takes part in so many charity events like Special Olympics and United Way because he really cares about them. My family has also been a part of those and they mean so much to us and him. I have watched my dad stay up late at night to work on a speech or presentation or even a new project. And it will always amaze me how much hard work he puts into things that you would not think were that big of a deal. But time and time again he does outstanding work and blows people away. The feedback I get about my dad makes me so proud of him. He has developed lifelong friendships with so many people at Publix, one of which is my mom. My dad means so much to me and he has taught me so many things in life. I don’t think he understands the impact he has on me and the people around him. He has showed me how to be kind, learn in new ways, how to be loving and fearless, not to take things for granted and put hard work into everything you do, how to make a positive impact on people’s lives and be successful, and how to be a good man. My dad is my role model, my inspiration, my hero and my best friend. He means so much to me and I am proud to call him my dad. I love you, Dad, Happy Father’s Day.
Dad: Meat Cutter Joseph Shockling, #1194, Kissimmee, Florida
Submitted by: Meat Cutter April Shockling, #1194
My dad has worked for Publix since 1987. I was born in 1984, so as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a Publix kid! As a child, I would visit him at work often. He would tote me around like a proud peacock, and I would get to see behind the scenes of the meat department. The guys would give me the little paper hats they wore at the time. Nowadays I work in the meat department alongside my dad . I have seen with my own two eyes and felt it in my bones how hard my dad has worked to provide for me and my family. My dad is a stellar employee with a charismatic personality that is contagious to all who meet him. Our crew and customers all adore him and respect his talent and knowledge. From the time he clocks in until the time he clocks out, he works with diligence and poise to beautify our department. Even at 61 years old, he constantly strives to improve his skills and empower the people around him to do better. His intense energy keeps our crew motivated and happy throughout the day. He is always ready and willing to help fellow employees, as well as customers with no hesitation. A Publix man all the way. My dad has taught me some important things in life; how to walk (very important), how to ride a bike, how to change a tire and currently how to cut meat. In addition to the physical skills he has taught me, I have gained many life skills by watching my dad over the years. He is a humble man with a kind heart. No matter what our family has endured, he has always kept his sense of humor and made us laugh when we want to cry. He is selfless man that has balanced being 100 percent dedicated to his job and his family at the same time. My dad has gone hungry so I could eat. My dad has gone tired so I could sleep. I have never wanted or needed for anything. He has provided me with an awesome life. My dad has always supported me and has always been there for me. And for that, he will always be a super hero in my eyes. What a lucky daughter I am to get to work alongside “The Great Legend” Joe Shockling — a Publix associate for nearly 30 years.
Dad: Bakery Retail Improvement Specialist Tom Millican
Submitted by: Assistant Customer Service Manager Tori Millican, #1013, Largo, Florida
My dad is my hero in so many ways. He is a very devoted dad, grandpa, a hardworking man. Growing up I was always daddy’s little girl. He couldn’t go anywhere without me wanting to go with him because no matter what, it would be fun! Even when we had to go check out a new Publix being built — or the competitor. When I was a child, I never understood how hard my dad really worked to make sure my brother and I were always taken care of. He made time to take us out on the jet skis and be involved in our sports, and he also showed us how to enjoy our lives. My dad showed me how to work hard, and it will always pay off in the long run…to have goals and never give up…not to expect to have anything handed to you, work for it, and most importantly take responsibility for your actions. He still finds time to enjoy all four of his grandkids. He continues to do the things with his grandchildren that he did with his own children. I have learned so many things from this man. I’m very proud and lucky to call him my dad.
Dad: Meat Manager Jerry Thompson, #1233, Perry, Florida
Submitted by: Sandi Mueller
Jerry Thompson is no doubt a “Super Dad” who works at Publix. In January 1999, I lost my relationship with my biological father as he chose to move on to another family. Not to mention my then one-and-a-half-year-old lost connections to his grandfather. This was very hard on our family but we accepted it the way it was. I never knew my life would be changed forever until June 2001. The most amazing man walked into our lives. Jerry Thompson is not my biological father, but he is what I call to this day “My Dad.” When he married my mother, he accepted me and my sister as his daughters and our children as his grandchildren. I smile every time I tell people Jerry is my dad. There is so much I can say about Jerry, but this letter would be too long if I was to tell you every reason why he is an amazing man and a super dad. I have learned more and felt more loved in the past 15 years that he has been my dad than I have in my childhood years. I am so thankful he stepped into our lives when he did and sometimes I wish he would have stepped in sooner. Jerry Thompson is a kind, funny, hardworking and unselfish man. He will do anything anyone asks him to do with nothing in return. He works very hard at Publix and his hard work continues when he is off. I have never seen a man do as much that he does. He does not ever want people to do for him; he always wants to do for other people. He puts a smile on everyone’s face who he is around. When we do get the opportunity to sneak in doing something special for him, the smile on his face just lights up my day because I know he deserves it. I get so excited when we get to take trips together because I know he will keep me laughing the entire time and we’ll have the time of our lives. He is a role model for me and my children and a truly amazing man. He is my superhero!
Dad: Meat Manager Jerry Thompson, #1233, Perry, Florida
Submitted by: Cashier Carol Bren, #1008, Kathleen, Georgia
My stepdad Jerry Thompson is outstanding, special, a great man, and a hero in my heart. He married my mom several years ago into a readymade family and has really stepped up with support and love. He has worked for Publix for 10 years. He started off as a meat cutter, but he is now a meat manager at the store in Perry, Georgia. He is a great role model for his coworkers and his grandchildren. He has been such a great papa to my kids for the last 15 years. They really look up to him. If it weren’t for him, my kids wouldn’t have the stuff they have now. Since working at Publix, Jerry has received Christmas bonuses at work. Instead of keeping it, he gives some to me so I can help my kids have a nice Christmas. He had even helped me get a car several years back. My kids never had a father growing up, but Jerry has really stepped up to the plate. Jerry is definitely a role model, hero, and all around special person to me, my mom and my kids.
Dad: Deli Technical Coordinator David Humphreys
Submitted by: David Humphreys Jr.
My dad is one of the most humble and honorable guys in the world. He works like a true super hero and has a heart of gold. He has been a respected figure in Publix since I was a newborn back in 1988. Every store manager and associate he has worked with has been delighted to be in his presence. To this day he is still one of the most respected people on earth and in Publix because of the way he respects and treats others. You can see it in the way he leads and the way he makes people feel when they do a good job. My dad is the leader that not only Publix needs, but who I need, along with my brother and sister — and others! He is a great man, and I am proud to call him my dad!!
Dad: Lakeland Truck Driver Brian Campbell
Submitted by: Lakeland Boxed Meat/Dairy Frontline Supervisor Hunter Campbell
My dad is an incredible role model and influence in my life. I’ve never known anyone with as much work ethic and determination as him. He’s been a truck driver for Publix since 1981 and has logged over 2,500,000 miles all over the state of Florida in a Publix truck. Even with the difficult schedule of a truck driver, he always found a way to spend good quality time with my sister and me. He taught me invaluable life lessons and skills such as building furniture, fixing cars, how to play golf, and of course backing up with a trailer (I was 8). He has done a little bit of everything over the years and always tried to pass on everything he learned to me. One of the most influential concepts he taught me as a kid still sticks with me today: Everyone on this planet is a human just like you, and there is nothing special about them. If they can figure out a way to do something, you can too. As I look forward to having a son of my own this summer; I will no doubt be going to him for advice on being a dad because he’s the best.
Dad: Deerfield Industrial Maintenance Dairy Plant Engineer Tom Schell
Submitted by: Deerfield Dairy Operations Clerk Jessi Hunter
My dad is one of the hardest-working, kindest, most generous people I have ever known. He has always had the best work ethic of anyone around. He taught me to do the best I could at whatever I was doing, even if it was something I didn’t want to do. My dad emphasized the importance of showing up, even if the work was hard, and to always be on time. His motto was, “If you’re not early, you’re late!” My dad also taught me to never give up, no matter how hard the task, and I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it. He has always been there for me through thick and thin — always ready to give advice and pitch in any way he can. Whenever I need him, I can call and he’ll be there. He even helps my husband and me with our kids — picking them up from school, helping them with homework, taking them to their baseball games or just hanging out and having fun with them. I don’t know where I would be without my dad. Nothing I can say will ever really do justice to the awesomeness that is Tom Schell. I am so very grateful that I have been blessed with this man as my dad.
