As associates, we often hear heart-warming stories of Publix founder George Jenkins, more commonly referred to as Mr. George. The stories not only highlight his exceptional knowledge of business, but his personable demeanor and his passion for people. This month, as we celebrate what would be Mr. George’s 110th birthday, we take a closer look at young Mr. George, better known then as Mr. Little George.

Growing up, Mr. George helped in his father’s general store. His childhood nickname, Mr. Little George, was coined by customers who saw him mimic his father’s role in the general store. His sister, Libby Miles, spoke to her brother’s incredible work ethic in the book, Fifty Years of Pleasure: “He liked to get up and go. There was not a lazy bone in his body. I never saw anybody enjoy work as much as George.”

Barely able to see over the store counter, young George liked to wait on his father’s customers. Eager to make the sale, he would run from one end of the store to the other fetching whatever the customer needed. Whether it was filling jugs with lamp oil, pouring molasses or trimming ropes for plow lines, he always wanted to make the customer happy.

George Jenkins Family Store

 
As an adult, Mr. George summed up how spending his youth in his father’s general store in rural Georgia influenced his life. “I can’t say that I learned how to operate a retailing empire in that little country store. But I did learn some things that were important,” he said in a 1978 speech. “My daddy taught me how to work, and he taught me the importance of work. He taught me to be proud of a job well done. I learned something about customer service in the store. You had to provide the customer with what she really wanted, and you had to treat her with respect.”

Mr. George’s passion for providing customers with premier customer service and quality products continues to remain at the core of Publix and is demonstrated by Publix associates every day. We hope you will join us as we celebrate Mr. George Day on Sept. 29, where we honor the man whose passion for putting people first led to the founding of Publix.

Want to learn more about Mr. George? Watch the documentary by visiting PASSport > Our Company > History > Mr. George Documentary.