In most stores, customers are grateful when a new checkout lane opens as a line starts to form. But, in Cashier Ronnie Frostig’s store, #664, Atlanta, there’s a good reason the lines are long.

“Our customers happily wait for Ronnie,” said Store Manager Jim Watterson. “Even if we open a new lane for them, they want to stay where they are. Ronnie doesn’t have to try — he just has a gift.”

Ronnie’s gift is his servant’s heart. He has a deep understanding of how customers want to be treated, and he knows exactly how to build and maintain relationships with them.

“If you treat customers like family, they’ll come back to see you,” said Ronnie. “I try to be in a good mood and stay positive throughout the day. Sometimes it’s hard to leave because I have people waiting in line who want to see me, and I want to see them, too.”

For Ronnie, who has been with Publix for 15 years, it’s all about making a connection and showing he cares. When he knows a customer’s birthday is coming up, or if they are ill, he brings a card. He’s a friend to his customers inside the store and away from it. Ronnie’s manager says he’s the total package.

“Ronnie does everything out of the kindness of his heart, and people respond to that,” said Jim. “He’s the reason many of our customers shop in our store.”

Ronnie doesn’t believe there’s a secret to his success. He simply follows the golden rule.

“If you’re a nice person, you shouldn’t have any problem being nice to people,” said Ronnie. “The real secret is to be a good person, be pleasant and treat your customers how you want to be treated.”

Cashier Ronnie Frostig has a passsion for customer service. Read about the other love of his life — running — in this month’s Life. Inspired. special insert.