Fresh Kitchen General Manager Jim Asher knew heading up one of Publix’s latest initiatives would have its challenging moments but never anticipated a pandemic. Even still, his managers say he’s found ways to keep making a difference.
Jim began his Publix career 26 years ago in the bakery plant as a bagger palletizer, lifting 50-pound bags of flour and putting them on a pallet. Now, he oversees the efforts that go into making grab-and-go sandwiches, platters and other on-the-go items at our Fresh Kitchen operation in Lakeland, Florida. It’s only been operating for three years, but already employs more than 480 associates.
“Our biggest challenge in the beginning was determining how to efficiently make every item fresh every day while identifying the moving target of our customers’ needs,” Jim said. “Doing that was our biggest accomplishment.”
When the coronavirus pandemic began, associates had a new challenge: how to begin rolling out Publix Chef-to-Go prepared meals, which customers can purchase pre-made and heat up at home. Jim and his team were tasked with making this successful while following newly implemented safety guidelines, including social distancing at the plant and partitions between associates working on the production line. Jim says the key to success is ensuring associates know their role in perpetuating the Publix culture, even during challenging times.
“At a time when a lot of people are stressed, our associates are providing comfort to each other and the community,” Jim said. “What we’re really doing is preparing more than a meal. We are continuing to provide for a community that doesn’t always know what’s going to happen next.”
For his leadership efforts and continuous championing of the Publix culture, Jim is recognized as a My Publix, My Part difference maker.
“Jim is a difference maker because he is the epitome of a servant leader,” said Director of Manufacturing Operations Brandon Haley. “His goal-oriented approach and relentless effort produce the results that his role requires of him.”
“I want to keep seeing growth at the Fresh Kitchen, and in its culture as well,” Jim said. “We have a strong team that has come together and developed into a family.”
