Karen Murino joined Publix in 1987 as a part-time cashier at #120, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, now #1058. In 1994, she became an ad letter clerk in the marketing department. She worked in a variety of support and management roles in the Lakeland Division before becoming the marketing services manager in 2001 and the manager of brand marketing in 2006. She was promoted to her current role in 2008.
Where were you born?
I grew up in Indialantic, a tiny peninsula off the east coast of Florida.
What did you want to be when you were little?
One summer, I thought I wanted to be an architect. I remember drawing plans of houses to fill my time. I was probably about eight.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy watching the capabilities of my team continue to grow and the insights they are able to glean from their work as they strive to help our business partners solve complex problems that will ultimately help Publix better serve our customers.
What’s your work philosophy?
Do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it. It’s my golden rule of accountability. I try to teach my associates that’s how you build your personal brand and your credibility with people.
What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
My personal values align with our brand, making it a natural fit for me to work at a company I believe in.
What’s your proudest moment?
Being promoted to a director in marketing after starting in an entry-level position in the department 14 years earlier
What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Gators
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Bakery Breakfast Bread
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What brought you to Publix?
My mom. We lived next door to Pat Ponder, who was the store manager of our local Publix at the time, and she told me I would work for him. I worked at Little Caesars for two months before a part-time cashier position opened. I spent seven years in retail until I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising. There was a position for an ad letter clerk at the corporate office taped by the time clock. It paid a little more than I was making in retail, but it didn’t matter. I just wanted to get there, just get in the door in marketing. I want to encourage others to take those lateral moves.
What is your favorite movie?
The Notebook
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Eating Publix Premium ice cream right out of the carton after everyone in my family has gone to bed. The flavor doesn’t matter as long as it has inclusions, like pieces of chocolate or bits of fruit.
What music are you listening to right now?
I like Pink and her “Beautiful Trauma” album. She’s a strong woman, with a career and young children, with strong beliefs. Her lyrics are very real and relatable.
What are your hobbies?
Running, watching my 15-year-old son play competitive soccer and keeping up with my 4-year-old’s endless energy.
