Mark began his Publix career in 1977 as a part-time front service clerk. He was promoted into management in 1985 and to store manager in 1992. In 2000, he was promoted to district manager and to his current role in 2009.

Where were you born?
Wayne, Michigan

What did you want to be when you were little?
A fighter pilot in the air force

What brought you to Publix?
When I was 16 years old, my dad told me if I wanted my own car, I needed to get a job. I really wanted a Corvette and bought one about a year later. I still have it! The license plate says “bagboy.”

What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
The culture Mr. George founded our company on. I am grateful for Mr. George’s insight in allowing associates to be owners.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping others grow in their careers and watching them succeed.

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Being part of our growth into new markets. I was fortunate to introduce Publix to the Florida Panhandle and all the way to Orange Beach, Alabama, and now in the Charlotte Division.

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What has changed most about Publix since you started here?
Technology. I remember when we rolled out scanning. It was like sci-fi! And now, we have automatic replenishment (AR) of groceries. Before AR, stock clerks had to walk aisles and order product manually.

How has Publix influenced you?
It has molded and structured my work ethic. When I started here I was 16, which is a very impressionable age and just getting into the work force. Your work ethic grows over time, and you learn what Publix stands for from managers and leaders.

What are your favorite Publix products?
Our Seafood Cook in Bag Dinners — they’re unique to our stores — and the Publix Deli Buffalo Chicken Tender Sub

What’s your favorite book?
The Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. I enjoy its message about the power of influence that we have over a group of people.

What’s your favorite TV show?
The Big Bang Theory

What is your favorite movie?
Smokey and the Bandit

What are your favorite sports teams?
Florida Gators and Carolina Panthers

What are your hobbies?
Restoring cars.

How do you spend your spare time?
I live on Lake Murray in South Carolina, and I enjoy exploring the lake with my family on our boat.

What music are you listening to right now?
Journey

What’s your proudest moment?
The birth of my two children and winning the George W. Jenkins Award

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream sprinkled with chocolate pieces

What’s your work or life philosophy?
Our success isn’t measured by our individual accomplishments — it’s measured by how we invest in others and what they are able to achieve.