Roger began his Publix career in 1982 as a front service clerk in St. Petersburg, Florida. He held several roles in retail, including store manager and district manager, before becoming director of merchandising for the Charlotte Division in 2017.

Where were you born?
Dunedin, Florida

What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a police officer.

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Premium Vanilla Ice Cream

What’s your work philosophy?
Work hard and do the right thing. I believe in investing in others to help them achieve their goals.

As a kid, which free cookie did you choose at the Publix Bakery?
Chocolate chip

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
The way we train and treat associates and encourage promotion from within. Also, the personal engagement that managers and leaders have with associates to foster their growth.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Pepperoni and sausage

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I have two children, a 32-year-old and an 11-year-old. Also, I work out 5-6 times a week and have participated in 5K races.

What’s your proudest moment?
My proudest moment was being promoted to director of merchandising because it had always been a goal of mine.

What’s your favorite movie?
I like World War II movies, so it’s the original version of “The Battle of Midway.”

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What was your favorite Publix experience?
Winning the President’s Award in 2014

What are you listening to right now?
Either Southern rock or classic rock for workout music, and podcasts on Spotify

What emoji best describes you?
Most people would say the serious face.

Farthest you’ve traveled?
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
My passion to execute at a high level and attention to detail

What do you want to learn next?
Being newer in my role, I want to learn every aspect of it and continue to get better and grow.

What’s your favorite sports team?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
My advice is to learn everything you can and look for opportunities globally, both in the stores and within corporate.

What is the best career advice you received?
Actually, it was a manager guiding me away from applying for a position because he knew it wouldn’t lead me to my goal. It goes back to the personal engagement managers have with associates, seeing their potential, knowing their goals and encouraging their growth.

Favorite place to vacation?
San Francisco

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To live in a big city in a foreign country

What are you binge-watching right now?
“The Big Bang Theory”

What veggies do you put on your Pub sub?
Lettuce, tomato and pickles

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?
Ronald Reagan because I feel he was one of the most impactful presidents and leaders of my generation.

What’s your personal or professional motto?
My professional motto is to always give 100% and do the right thing.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m usually either spending time with my family, working out or working around my house, especially in the yard.