People spend a lot of time at work. Research shows that being socially connected can positively impact your health and well-being.
Being connected helps us build relationships. It will always be easier to seek advice or provide feedback to someone you have a bond with. So, we asked our associates to share stories about people who encourage and support them.
Meat Retail Improvement Specialist Chelsea Duke on Retail Coordinator Rick Parker, Jacksonville Division:
“I’ve been working with Rick for a good portion of my career. He believed in me before I really believed in myself. He helped me grow and succeed. I ended up being promoted to meat manager. The further I got into my career, the more I wanted to continue my path into leadership. I set my sights on retail improvement specialist (RIS) and worked extremely hard to get noticed. Rick was always in my corner, supporting me with honest feedback and encouragement. He made time for me at grand openings, in-store visits and whenever I needed help. Now, I am a RIS and couldn’t be more thankful to have him in my life as a mentor. He is very engaged with his RIS team and all his meat teams. He inspires me because he is a true leader, and he advocates for us as individuals and our overall meat operation. I couldn’t be more fortunate to get to work with him. I am a better leader because of him.”
Pharmacy Technician Amber Portocarrero on Pharmacy Technician Shannon Hancock, Orlando, Florida:
“I am inspired by how Shannon always comes to work with a positive attitude and strives to do her job. She has 2 children and 1 on the way. Despite all of her personal ups and downs, she comes in and communicates with our team in a very uplifting manner. Shannon taught us how she improved by using new resources. I take pride in knowing my co-worker always strives to be the best. It helps motivate the team and guides us to aim higher and improve. She’s friendly and such an asset to the Publix data entry team.”
Retail Maintenance Coordinator Kody Jones on Maintenance Supervisor Bill Ball, Orlando, Florida:
“Bill Ball has spent his entire life in the construction and maintenance fields, and nearly 30 years with Publix alone. As an experienced team member, Bill has seen nearly everything damaged and taken apart, then put back together. He is an excellent role model to look up to for me and our team, especially with the new faces we have around the company. He provides leadership and insight that only comes from hands-on experience. Because of people like Bill, Publix is a great place to work.”
Bakery Manager Ashley Davis on Assistant Store Manager Stephanie Redmond, #229, New Smyrna Beach, Florida:
“What I admire the most in Stephanie is the balance of her leadership. She offers feedback when needed but is encouraging at the same time. She is not afraid to get her hands dirty in the departments when required but also knows when to step away and encourage from the sidelines. I’ve worked with several assistant store managers during my 15 years with the company, and she is the one I look up to. I can assure you, it’s leaders like Stephanie who keep our teams showing up every day with smiles on their faces.”
Editor Becca O’Donovan on Content Strategist Jason Griffin, Lakeland, Florida:
“Jason is the definition of Publix culture. I tend to be shy, and he brings me out of my shell. Some days he’ll ask, ‘Who do you want to meet today?’ And since he knows everyone — and is well-liked by everyone — he doesn’t hesitate to take time to introduce us. When I have a question or need a gut check, he is more than willing to offer helpful insight — or find the person who can help me. And when he needs help with something, he always ends the conversation with, ‘And what can I do to help you?’ He is positive, optimistic and a kind person. He always thinks of others.”
