We’ve interviewed some of our fabulous PGWM store managers and assistant store managers to ask them about their journey and just what they love about their role.
Store Manager Ana Fusco, #1696, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
“There are so many things that go into being a good leader. Some that have helped me are motivating and inspiring associates and recognizing their potential because they’re tomorrow’s leaders. One of the most important things for me as a store manager is holding myself accountable and self-reflecting on how I can continue to grow as an associate and leader.”
Store Manager Ryan Armstrong, #1676, Mountain Brook, Alabama
“I started my journey with Publix in 2001 as a front service clerk in South Carolina at the age of 16. This was my first job and where many of my high school friends were working at the time. In high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life or what career I wanted to pursue, but I was lucky to have managers who inspired me to do more for Publix. As I continue to grow as a leader, I enjoy the challenges that come with these responsibilities and learning how to lead others. To me, the most important part of leading a team is not being afraid to do the work alongside your team, when you are needed, and always being available for the other managers and associates.”
Store Manager Scott Guira, #1721, Tampa, Florida
“My team and I are learning new ways to excite and entice our customers that reinforce Mr. George’s principles of service. The excitement our customers and associates have for our food offerings and special events is so gratifying. It’s awesome to watch associates find the fun in selling products while delivering personalized service to customers.”
Store Manager Felicia Lindow, #1659, Lakeland, Florida
“From my time as a store manager, I’ve realized that if you let the associates be themselves and learn how to best support them, they are happier and want to succeed. The associates love coming to work and serving the customers as best they can. In my role, I love getting to know people, meeting new friends and changing people’s lives. Being a store manager is the best job I have ever had.”
Assistant Store Manager Matt Casella, #1674, Boca Raton, Florida
“Being an assistant store manager at Publix GreenWise Market has been an incredible and humbling experience. I’ve come to realize that I have a very large role as assistant store manager in spreading our brand and expanding our customer base through events and our involvement in the community. The PGWM culture is relatively young, and with that comes more responsibility to build something from the ground up.”
Store Manager Leslie Anderson, #1701, Nocatee, Florida
“Becoming a Publix manager was the natural and easy choice for me. I set out to be a department manager and when I was promoted to assistant store manager, our current Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, John Goff, was such an inspiration to me when he was my store manager. He helped grow my hunger to become a store manager, and I have my own store after being back with Publix for only 9 years. The most important thing about leading a team is listening to them, supporting them and holding them accountable. When you do all of these things, it helps them become more disciplined and thus more effective leaders.”
Assistant Store Manager Blake Blumenthal, #1702, Odessa, Florida
“The thing I enjoy most about my role as an assistant store manager is the ability to be involved in every department in the store. When you are promoted to ASM, you think you know everything you need to know for Publix, but you are given a new challenge to become an expert in every department. As an ASM you just don’t want to see a specific department succeed, but the whole store. The ASM role has also given me a chance to truly get to know our associates and build different relationships with them. When it comes to leading a team, the most important thing to me is seeing them succeed with hard work.”
Assistant Store Manager Matt Costigan, #852, Tallahassee, Florida (transferred from #1573)
“I have learned through my time at Publix GreenWise Market that Publix is a versatile company and can adapt to new customers and associates. We find ways to think outside of the box and be creative to excite customers and associates with new products, events and experiences. It’s so easy to remain positive, make the workplace fun and tailor a custom experience for every customer. I was very happy to be a pioneer in this new chapter of Publix and will take the lessons I learned with me to my new store.”
