Mr. George started handing out coins more than 60 years ago to associates who went above and beyond his expectations. And that tradition is still alive today.
Not everyone has heard of this coin, but receiving one means you’ve done something pretty special. But if you asked most coin recipients what they did to receive it, they might just say they were doing their job. For many of our associates, taking service a step further than what’s expected is just who they are and what they do.
The coin recently took on a new design. Also, the packaging the coin arrives in has been upgraded and can now serve as a keepsake.
This coin represents associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. So you have a better idea of what that means, here’s what a few associates did to earn their coin.
Cashier Fina Regis, #1454, Hollywood, Florida
A customer checked out with Fina and wasn’t feeling well. He thought he was coming down with the flu, but was going to fight through it and continue with his day. Fina noticed he didn’t look very good and had him sit down on a bench near the checkout area. Fina discreetly told a manager that the customer needed medical attention. A manager checked on the customer and called an ambulance.
It turned out that the customer had three blood clots and two were in his lungs. He later credited Fina with saving his life.
“At Publix, we are all family, and Fina’s actions are a great example of how customers are part of our family,” said Store Manager Bob Hagler. “Thank you, Fina, for doing the right thing and making Publix proud.”
Grocery Clerk Mason Blasidell, #322, Fernandina Beach, Florida
Mason escorted a blind customer, arm in arm, around the store to help him shop. He gently described each product and never tried to rush the customer or make him feel like an inconvenience.
A customer who witnessed this interaction said, “Mason was extremely kind and compassionate.”
“I’m so proud of Mason for being recognized with the gold coin. Mason delivers this kind of service daily because he truly understands the importance of service first,” Store Manager Craig Fitzpatrick said. “Thank you, Mason, for taking such good care of our customers — Mr. George would be so proud of you!”
The gold coin has a silver history
In 1955, a 25th anniversary silver coin was produced to commemorate our first 25 years of success. Every associate received a coin, and Mr. George often carried extra coins with him and gave them out to personally recognize associates. When we celebrated our 50th anniversary in 1980, a gold coin was created. The gold coin became a symbol of special recognition for outstanding service and customer satisfaction.
It’s pretty neat that we’re still using the coin to recognize associates the same way Mr. George did after all these years. Check back next month for more stories about associates who did something extraordinary and received a coin of their own.
The gold coin is presented to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for the gold coin by receiving customer praise through the customer care department, which reviews each case based on established criteria and guidelines.
Take a moment to read about other gold coin winners in Publix News.
