Store Manager Milan Kordic, #1413, Dunedin, Florida, put service first for a neighboring elderly couple.

Milan befriended customers Bob and Pat when they lived in the community behind #1413. Earlier this year, Pat had health issues, so Milan jumped in to help with their weekly shopping. He walked Pat through the store for as long as it took. If Milan was busy, he would assign another associate to help.

“It’s always the right choice to be nice. Being a Publix associate allows me to treat our customers like royalty, just as Mr. George intended,” Milan said.

If they couldn’t make it in to do their weekly shopping, Milan would make it a point to check in on them.

“When I didn’t see Bob and Pat for a couple of weeks, I visited them at their home and brought an orchid and a chocolate chip cookie cake from our Publix Bakery,” Milan said. “Pat has roughly 50 to 60 orchids on their front porch. They bring her joy, and it helps her maintain the title of best-looking front porch in the neighborhood.”

And when there was an upcoming birthday or holiday, he would go above and beyond to bring the couple baked items. In recognition of his military service, Milan brought red, white and blue balloons for Bob’s 91st birthday.

“Everyone deserves balloons and cake on their birthday, and a hot meal during the holidays,” Milan said.

When their health declined, Bob and Pat were forced to move into an assisted living community farther away from their local Publix. But that didn’t stop Milan from visiting them. After 3 months, he checked on Bob and Pat while their daughter was there, and the couple was moved to tears.

Because of his wonderful spirit and his dedication to providing premier service to customers like Bob and Pat, Milan has been awarded the Mr. George Gold Coin Award. Our founder, Mr. George, taught us to treat customers like royalty, and Milan exemplifies that every day.

A Mr. George Gold Coin Award is given to associates who embrace the Publix culture and provide premier service the way Mr. George himself would have. Receiving a gold coin means you’ve made a real difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond. Associates can become eligible for a gold coin by receiving praise through the customer care department, which reviews each case based on established criteria and guidelines. 

Take a moment to read about other Mr. George Gold Coin recipients in Publix News.