Pete Mowitt began his Publix career in 1975 as a grocery clerk. He worked his way through various retail management positions before being promoted to district manager in 1995 and director of merchandising in 1998. In 2000, Pete was promoted to business development director of grocery, and in April, he was promoted to his current position.
Where were you born?
Midland, Mich.
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Being on the leading edge of everything that’s happening in the grocery industry, and constantly developing ways to manage the changes associated with that
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Keeping up with the ever-changing industry. We must continually improve and adapt to change, and it’s a challenge to make sure everyone is on the same page and can function in new environments.
What’s your proudest moment?
Being awarded the 2007 George W. Jenkins Award
What’s your work or life philosophy?
Publix is like life — you get out of it what you put into it. The more you give — whether it’s passion, time or commitment — the more you receive.
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What did you want to be when you were little?
A football player or architect
What are your hobbies?
Woodworking and martial arts
What’s your favorite sports team?
The Florida Gators and Tampa Bay Rays
What is your favorite movie?
I like action movies like the Bourne Identity series or Taken
What is your favorite book?
Any book by Dan Brown; Angels and Demons, and The Da Vinci Code are two of them.
What’s playing in your iPod right now?
I love sports talk radio, Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men
What’s your favorite Publix memory?
When Charlie Jenkins Jr. and Ed Crenshaw showed up at my office to tell me I had won the GWJ Award. I had no idea I was even nominated, so it was a complete surprise. The whole experience was unforgettable.
What has not changed about Publix since you started here?
The level of premier service Publix provides. We understand our main point of differentiation is that we do whatever it takes to make our customers’ shopping experiences a pleasure. We serve our customers better than anywhere else.
