Baker Preston Hays, #734, Venice, Florida, lent a helping hand to a customer in need.

A customer approached Store Manager Toni Lowery (now at #778, Port Charlotte, Florida) while she was completing her daily store walk.

“The customer said they didn’t know Publix added changing tires to its services,” Toni said.

Upon further conversation, Toni discovered that Baker Preston Hays was changing a tire for an elderly customer in the parking lot.

“The customer who approached me thanked me for hiring and retaining such great associates,” Toni said. So, why did this customer think we’d added a new service?

“A customer called the store and requested to have an electric cart brought to their vehicle,” Preston said.

While assisting the customer, Preston noticed the car’s rear passenger tire was flat.

“When I showed the customer, he said he’d have to call a tow truck and that there wasn’t a point in doing his shopping since the food would spoil while waiting,” Preston said. “I opened his trunk and saw he had a spare tire. I offered to change it for him so he could do his shopping, go home and put the groceries away before going to a repair shop.”

The customer shared his appreciation with Toni.

“He was so sweet and thankful for Preston’s assistance,” Toni said. “Mr. George would be extremely proud of Preston for his thoughtfulness and the premier service he provides to our customers.”

Because of his willingness to go above and beyond, Preston was awarded the Mr. George Gold Coin award.

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.