Named after our late founder, the George W. Jenkins Award is our most prestigious recognition. This award was presented to five store managers and a support leader who exemplify leadership, perpetuate our culture and demonstrate their commitment to Mr. George’s vision. As part of the award, each recipient was presented with a special green Publix blazer, marking them as a member of this deserving group of honorees. Congratulations to our 2019 George W. Jenkins Award recipients!
Atlanta Division
Store Manager Joe Blaszczak, #882, Birmingham, Alabama
When Joe was just 15 years old, he saw his sister get a job as a cashier at Publix after going in to speak with the store manager every week for a few months. Almost 40 years later, the lesson he learned from his sister’s perseverance helped Joe earn this recognition.
Joe says Publix will give anyone the opportunity to succeed and grow if they are willing to put in the work and wear a smile while doing it. His leadership style has always been to have a good attitude and lead by example.
“As a leader, it’s important that you learn to believe in your associates’ abilities and lean on them,” says Joe. “If you have trained and led them the right way, you will never be disappointed in trusting them.”
Charlotte Division
Store Manager Michael Millien, #1514, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Michael believes success comes from consistency and hard work.
“I am living proof that taking pride in your work and knowing there are no shortcuts can get you anywhere at Publix,” said Michael.
Michael feels our promote-from-within culture makes working at Publix a pleasure. He knows the foundation Mr. George set is what helps create such wonderful leaders and associates because ownership instills a drive to do better.
Michael says: “I have now become the Mr. George of my store and have hopes to one day become the same at a district level.”
Jacksonville Division
Store Manager Kelly Wilson, #812, Orlando, Florida
Kelly began working for Publix when she was in high school and needed to earn money to pay for her car. Never did she imagine that 25 years later she would be celebrating such a momentous achievement.
“For someone looking to have a career at Publix similar to mine, it is important to set goals and seek out every opportunity available to you,” Kelly said. “Like Mr. George said, there is a smorgasbord of opportunities laid out for you here.”
When it comes to helping others build careers, Kelly mentors new managers and associates hoping to continue their success and find the right opportunities at Publix.
“I firmly believe that if you treat associates with respect and invest in their learning and career progression, Publix will benefit from it and, in turn, so will we as owners,” Kelly says.
Lakeland Division
Store Manager Dan Murphy, #828, Sarasota, Florida
Dan remembers being fortunate enough to meet Mr. George and talk to him about his vision and goals.
“I was so taken back that he took the time to talk and listen to us,” Dan said. “That made such an impression on me that I knew I wanted to one day do the same.”
From that conversation, Dan understood the importance of always being available to his associates and leading with a humble, servant mentality.
“I like to be on the sales floor with my associates, working one on one,” he said. “No task is too small, even as a leader.”
Miami Division
Store Manager Nick Abiusi, #228, Jupiter, Florida
Nick worked for other companies before joining the Publix family, and he quickly came to realize what made Publix different — associate ownership and the family mentality. Years later, Nick truly believes there is no challenge we cannot overcome because we always strive to be there to help one another.
Nick’s leadership style is all about connecting with associates and encouraging them to always do their best.
“I get as much joy at growing associates as I do growing profits,” said Nick. “To me, they go hand in hand.”
He advises new leaders to uphold the highest standards and always protect the company’s brand and legacy.
“It is so important for new leaders to understand that yesterday’s results are not going to entitle us to tomorrow’s success,” he said. “You must work knowing every day is a fresh start.”
Support
Pharmacy Operations Manager Kathy Leonard, Miami Division
Like many others, Kathy started working at Publix with no intention of making it a career. But after being accepted into pharmacy school, she realized she could continue working here. And she believes success can be attained by any associate who works hard and wants to be the best at what they do, especially at Publix.
Kathy received this award because the pride she feels for our company is reflected in the way she leads her associates.
“One message I have carried with me through my years here is that the connections and relationships created while working are more important than being promoted,” said Kathy. “When people feel connected, they work harder to support our mission because they know they are a part of it.”
Meet the recent recipients of Publix’s top honors: the 2019 George W. Jenkins and President’s awards.
