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Dad: Assistant Store Manager Steve Kussrath, #600, Boca Raton, Florida
Submitted by: Customer Service Manager Michael Kussrath, #835, Miami
My dad started his journey with Publix Super Markets in 1972 as a front service clerk at #151, Miami. His father (my grandfather) spoke very highly of Publix Super Markets and suggested he apply for the front service clerk position. He followed his father’s advice, applied and got the job. Shortly after being hired, my dad was bagging the order of a pleasant gentleman and carried them out for him to his car. When he returned to the store, the store manager approached my father and said, “Do you know that was Mr. George you carried out?” He still remembers that day as if it was yesterday. My father recalls Mr. George as a very pleasant and humble man. My father has moved up the career ladder with Publix, starting off as a front service clerk, and then transitioning into a grocery clerk, followed by a promotion to produce manager. He was later promoted to assistant store manager and later served as a store manager for 18 years in both the Atlanta and Miami Divisions. In 2003, while being a store manager in the Atlanta division, he was awarded Publix’s most prestigious award, the George W. Jenkins Award. My father later retired, and after a few short years of retirement, he returned to Publix because he enjoyed serving and missed his daily interactions with both the customers and his associates. My dad is currently an assistant store manager in #600, Boca Raton, Florida. My dad is a great leader and role model not only at his place of employment but also at home. He has taught my two sisters and me how to be responsible and caring to others by always treating everyone equally with dignity and respect. These morals have been embedded in my siblings and me throughout the years. We look up to our father because he has shown us great values, has taught us to be independent, strong and positive no matter what comes our way. My father is my hero, and there are no words that will describe how much I appreciate what he has done and continues to do for my family and me.
Dad: Maintenance Supervisor Dennis Santaniello, Miami Distribution Center
Submitted by: HR Investigator Dennis Santaniello, Miami Distribution Center
Some kids grow up and watch their hero or role model on TV. For some, it may have been a musician, an actor or maybe even an athlete. But, not for me. My hero has always been my dad. So, when it was time for me to get a job, I wanted to be like my dad and work for Publix. Just like he has never missed a day of work in 31 years with Publix, my dad never missed any of my baseball or basketball games growing up. I always knew that he would be there for me after the game regardless of how I played. I strive to be like him every day, and hope I can one day be the dad that he has been to my brother and me. Today, not only do we both still work for Publix, we both work out of the Miami Distribution Center. So, just like when I was a kid, I still get to see my hero every day at work.
Dad: Grocery Manager Christopher Robinette, #1292, Gulf Shores, Florida
Submitted by: Natalie Robinette
My dad is such a good dad because he takes care of me, and tells me to do my best in school. Last April, we had a big state test at school called the ACT Aspire test. We had four state tests, and my dad helped me not stress over it. My dad is really special to me. Whenever my dad transfers to a new Publix, he always makes them look better so they have more customers.
Dad: Manufacturing Systems Support Manager Ron Atherton
Submitted by: Supply Chain Replenisher Ryan Atherton
My dad is the greatest superhero I have ever known. He has worked very hard and worked in several different departments for Publix over the past 35 years. He started on the night shift in the produce warehouse and is now the manager of manufacturing systems support. He is a role model to others around him — whether it’s late night calls to correct system issues to being a mentor to his other associates. He has always been my biggest inspiration and the reason why I wanted to work for Publix. Growing up, my dad worked during the day with his lawn business and then worked in the warehouse at night. There were countless summers of pulling weeds, dragging tree branches to curbsides, edging or weed-eating his customers’ lawns. At the time, I thought it was for little pay. I was able to spend quality time and bond with him. He always found time to coach little league teams and attend every sporting event. I don’t even know how there was enough time in the day to accomplish this. Now that I’m getting a little older, it is easy to see how hard he has worked over the years to provide for our family. He has shown me that if you work hard and stay focused, you will be able to achieve anything you set your mind to. He has laid a solid foundation for me to be successful and have a great career of my own at Publix. I am able to appreciate the smaller things that he does for me and my family, like picking up my kids from daycare, giving financial advice, offering advice on my own Publix career, or being there for me and my family. My dad is the greatest Superman that anyone will ever meet. I am proud to say he is my dad! I love you! Happy Father’s Day.
Dad: Database Administrator Steve Cochran
Submitted by: CQA Private Label Support Courtney Webb
My dad is special because he is more than just an IT guy. He is a man of many hats. Not only is he a leader and my inspiration, but he is a fun and goofy dedicated father. He works hard at his job and still finds time for what is important to him — his family. He is very involved in his kids’ lives. Even after his many long and hard days of work, he still makes time for practices, shooting hoops, homework assistance, bike rides, father-daughter talks and the occasional video games with the kids. It is these moments — these memories — that I will forever cherish. Though he is not a perfect dad; it is his flaws that make him an exceptionally special dad. I have learned so much from my dad over the years. Not just simple things; but the important things like family values, trust, ethics and morals, leadership, strength and how to be passionate about the things/ones you care about (to never give up on something that you believe in). My dad has instilled the value of family in me. We support each other and push each other to be the greatest we can be. My dad is a Super Dad!
Dad: Assistant Customer Service Manager Richard Krenz, #1488, Winter Park, Florida
Submitted by: Christina Krenz, Orlando, Florida
My husband, Richard Krenz, started his first job as a front-end service clerk at #264, Rockledge, Florida in 2006. Through his experiences with Publix leadership, he quickly learned the Publix culture and was committed to embracing it. For the last 8 years, I have watched him grow both personally and professionally while at Publix. As an assistant customer service manager, he is passionately focused on the success of his associates and being an active member of the community. We are both excited to share that our first child, Ramzy Alan Krenz, is due on Father’s Day weekend! We appreciate the outpouring of love from our Publix family.
Dad: HV Department Head Robert Bland, Atlanta Distribution Center
Submitted by: Customer Service Team Leader Derrick Bland, #1483, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Assistant Bakery Manager Breanna Bland, #717, Gainesville, Georgia
Few people are fortunate enough to have parents who love, support and provide their children with the necessary tools to be successful in life. How does a son or daughter put into words the amount of appreciation they have for a father that has invested his life for the betterment of his family? Our dad’s dedication to his children and to our mother is the example we hope to live up to someday. The stability and joy of our childhood is, in-large-part, due to our dad’s unconditional love and continuous mentoring. For a number of years, our father even took on extra jobs to ensure that we were all very well provided for. We have understood discipline, honesty, respect and integrity because of the model displayed by our dad throughout the years. We are so extremely thankful to have parents whose faith, prayer, patience and guidance have empowered us to lead lives of great hope and opportunity. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
Dad: Produce Clerk Louis Parziale, #1152, Parrish, Florida
Submitted by: Senior Business Consultant Thomas Parziale
My father’s first job was washing produce in Joe’s Vegetable Store in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1955. He graduated from William E. Grady Vocational School and then joined the United States Navy. After his tour, he bought a Tropicana Orange Juice route and delivered juice in Manhattan for over 25 years. After we moved to Florida, he purchased a Pepperidge Farm route and delivered bread to Publix stores for many years. This is when I first realized how hard my father worked. I would work with him during the summer months, and he always taught me to work hard, treat people with respect, and never think you’re above anyone. I thank my father for instilling a work ethic in me for my job and for life in general. I am one of the lucky ones who has a dad who never missed one of my ball games or my graduations, and is still always available to watch a game with me. In 2010, he decided to retire, and that lasted about a week before my mother told him either get a part-time job or she would. He started working in the produce department at Publix and has been there for almost six years. Even though he lives two minutes from the store, he is always a half hour early, ready to work and help customers. I guess life really is a circle! My father started working at 15 years old in a produce store in Brooklyn and now — at 75 — he’s back working with produce . But most important of all, he’s happy and so is my mother! I am proud to call Louis Parziale my dad and best friend!
Dad: Bakery Manager Steve Pandolfi, #836, Winter Haven, Florida
Submitted by: Grocery Clerk Nathan Pandolfi and Front Service Clerk Abbey Pandolfi, #671, Lakeland, Florida
There are many words to describe our dad — and being super is definitely one of them. Our father, Steve Pandolfi, has been working on and off for Publix around 22 years. He is a hard worker who cares about his associates — and more importantly, the customers. He has been a role model to us throughout his career. Publix is our first job and we chose this job because of the influence our dad has had on us. Our dad is the hardest working person we know and does everything the best he can. Working or not working, he always places other peoples’ needs above his own. He constantly strives for the best for his department and for our family. One of the things that makes our dad super is the amount of support he gives us in all that we do. He always comes to our sporting events and any extracurricular activities we are involved in. He constantly tells us how proud he is of us and always pushes us to be the best that we can be. … As a bakery manager, he is responsible for making sure all of his customers are satisfied, and that is exactly what he does. Our father treats people with respect and is known for being a nice guy and a hard worker. We wish we could be half the person he is, and we thank him for everything he has done for us. That is why we believe our dad is a true hero.
Dad: Deerfield Fresh Foods Department Manager Bob Borges (Retired)
Submitted by: Employment Office Support Missy Honeycutt, Atlanta Employment Office
Dads are the most important influence in a child’s life. They teach us how to grow, how to heal, how to take care of others, how to lead and most importantly how to love. In my eyes, my dad has always been the epitome of happiness, love and truth. He thrives on making people smile and feel good about themselves. My dad has instilled in me the characteristics of how to be my own person and never give up on my hopes and dreams. He never tries to be someone he is not, and regardless of the situation he is always there for not only me but for family and friends in good times and bad. You will know when he cares, because he ALWAYS does. He always has words of encouragement for everyone around him and he has that way of lighting up a room. My dad has taught me humility, and when I get upset, his words of wisdom calm me down and help me see the bigger picture. My dad is my biggest supporter, my rock, my best friend and most importantly my daddy. He has always been the one to encourage me, push me and help mold me into the woman I am today. After working for Publix for 27 years in Miami and Deerfield as fresh foods department manager, Bob Borges earned the respect of his associates and friends. He never gives up on anyone and always seems to find the good in someone even when they don’t see it in themselves. He is the perfect role model for everyone that knows him. Still to this day, my dad is always lending a hand, always trying to help anyone that needs it, and for this, I am grateful that I can call him MY DAD! He worked hard and set the foundation for our family. It has provided me with a sense of security that has propelled me in creating a fulfilling foundation for my family. He is the first man I loved and has always been my hero. His arms were the first place where I felt safe and protected. Seeing the smile on his face watching his only grandchild grow into the young man has given me much pleasure and joy. I can’t say thank you enough for the patience, unconditional love and support he has given me throughout my life! He represents the perfect example of what a PERFECT dad is.
Dad: Store Manager Joe Castner, #499, Melbourne Beach, Florida
Submitted by: Customer Service Staff Alexis Castner, #784, Rockledge, Florida
My dad has worked at Publix since before I was born, and he has been working hard ever since. He always made sure my sister and I were taken care of and he still continues today, and now with my little brother who is a year old! He is always there to help his family, not only blood family, but also his work family. Working at Publix truly is like having a huge extended family. From the time I was old enough to attend “Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day,” I always tried to attend with my father. I loved going to work with him and getting to see his daily duties in running the whole store. I met so many people and got to experience so many things, and was so excited to get to see another side of my dad and what he does every day. On the holidays when Publix was closed and my dad had to check the store, my sister and I thought it was the absolute coolest thing to go along with him and be in the store just the three of us. Through the years, watching my dad work and enjoy his job so much, I hoped one day I would get the opportunity to work at Publix. I was hired when I was 17 years old, and I’m going on five years with the company now! From the time I started I always have had people coming up to me and asking me if I was Joe Castner’s daughter. I inform them that I am, and everyone always has a sweet story about my dad and when they worked with him. The stories range from people who worked with him for years, to just one overnight or reset they did together. I always love hearing the stories and how MY dad has affected their life in some way. While I listen to the stories, I feel such pride and honor that I am my father’s daughter, and that he has done so much for so many people. I just hope that I can live up to the standard he has set, and be just as great as he is.
Dad: Construction Supervisor Gary York
Submitted by: Expense Specialist Amy York
My Dad is the family hero. He’s the guy who would give you the shirt off his back in subzero temperatures. He’s always there to help whether you need to move on short notice, repair something on your house, head out on a bike ride, or just to be a shoulder to lean on. He has truly been there no matter what so many times in my life I can’t even count. My dad is the super hero who has always had an ability to be in two places at the same time. He’s the guy who would load up his nieces and nephews for a fun road trip so they wouldn’t be bored all summer. He’s the guy who made it a point to show up to every soccer game, cheerleading competition, guard performance or any other major event my sister and I had — even if he was working 5+ hours away the same day! He’s that guy who bounces like Tigger for who knows how long because his granddaughter said, “More Jump Papaw,” because that’s just what super heroes do. And this ability doesn’t stop at home, he’s also the guy who could leap bounds and be in South Carolina one night and Alabama the next morning, showing up to get the job done and never complaining about the drive! For 34 years, he has been showing up on the job — rarely ever calling in sick, getting the job done and making sure new stores and remodeled stores are built to perfection. In addition to his work responsibilities, he participates in charity events as much as possible. Whether it’s a golf tournament for the National Kidney Foundation or Kathleen High School Athletics, he’s there like clockwork every year. And a bonus, he does all of this while making sure he made time for his entire family including his wife, kids, sisters, brother, mother, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and granddaughter. That’s why I think my dad is a super hero. It doesn’t matter if you are his wife, daughter, co-worker, or nephew — you’re super lucky to have him in your life!