For associates, perpetuating the Publix culture involves building relationships — with team members, management, the community, and most importantly, customers. Timothy “T.J.” Puls, #848, West Palm Beach, Florida, embraces this philosophy and seeks opportunities to demonstrate his commitment to helping others.

T.J. previously worked in retail management and joined Publix when he realized the opportunities at his former employer were limited. He started his Publix career as a part-time cashier in 2014. Now, as customer service staff, T.J. plays many roles in providing exemplary service and training other associates.

“It’s awesome to work for a company that trains people to become not just great team members but also great leaders,” he said. “Once initial training is complete, there’s support for promotion to management for those who desire it.”

Store Manager Wade Rinderknecht says T.J. realizes the value of a strong team and even stronger customer service.

“He’s constantly involved with the training and development of our new associates. He moves smoothly from one task to another regardless of the difficulty, and he always makes the customer his priority,” Wade said.

T.J. says his job is never routine, whether he’s a front-end coordinator, working at the customer service counter or in the cash office, cashiering or training new associates. While he enjoys training and assisting other associates, his passion is improving customer service.

“A former manager told a co-worker who had gotten impatient with an elderly woman to imagine she was his grandmother: how would he like her to be treated, even if she might be a little confused or difficult,” T.J. said. “We all need help, so how would I want to be treated as a customer, or how would I want my grandmother, mother or wife to be treated when they need help? I strive to give them that level of service.”

And for that, T.J. is recognized as our featured associate for the My Publix, My Part program.