By Joan - September 1, 2016

Shannon Patten — Director of Customer Care and Social Media

Shannon Patten

Shannon joined Publix in 1995 as a part-time cashier in Temple Terrace, Florida. A year later, she became a full-time associate. She transferred to human resources as a clerk in 2000 and then became a staffing specialist. Shannon was promoted to media and community relations manager in 2005 and to her current role in 2012.

Where were you born?
Boca Raton, Florida

What did you want to be when you were little?
I always dreamed of being a Broadway performer.

What brought you to Publix?
I was a student when I started, so the flexible schedule and ability to work with friends attracted me to apply at my local store.

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Shortly after I started with Publix, my car got broken into while I was working on Christmas Eve. All the presents I had purchased for my friends and family were stolen. To my surprise, the entire store team immediately took up a collection to help me replace the gifts. In addition, they found another associate to cover the rest of my shift so I could quickly go shopping before all the stores closed. I instantly felt what people meant by Publix being a “family,” and I knew right then and there I would make a career with this great company.

What are your favorite Publix products?
Our bakery Heath Bar cookies and GreenWise organic vanilla ice cream — for a real treat, I combine the two and make the world’s best ice cream sandwich.

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What’s your work or life philosophy?
Our lives are not determined by what happened to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy constantly learning more about our great company — what we are working on today and for our future, new systems, new technology and new trends. It’s awesome!

What are your favorite sports teams?
I like going to games and cheering on some of our local teams — Tampa Bay Bucs, Rays and Lightning.

What are your hobbies?
There’s not much I don’t like to do — with the exception of yard work. I enjoy being outside, camping, attending sporting events and hanging out with friends and family.

What music are you listening to right now?
I have so many playlists right now — Coldplay, Zac Brown Band, Jack Johnson, John Mayer — but you can guarantee that all the popular 80s songs are always at the top of my list.

How do you spend your spare time?
I enjoy spending it with my kids and supporting all their activities, or with my friends.

What is your favorite movie?
I have too many to list!

What’s your proudest moment?
I feel proud every time I see my kids succeed and behave kindly and respectfully to others.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Sleeping in!