Associates share how Publix helped them develop professionally to reach their career goals.

Our founder, Mr. George, once said, “Publix is like a smorgasbord with opportunity spread out for you. Prepare yourself. The opportunities are up for grabs.” He created an environment for Publix people to be successful.

Through our promote-from-within culture, Publix has helped associates reach their career goals by offering continuous on-the-job training, advancement opportunities, GED/tuition reimbursement and internships, to name a few.

Here are some stories from Publix associates who seized opportunities to help them grow in their careers.

Merchandiser Joseph Peccarelli, Jacksonville, Florida

“Over the years, Publix boosted my career by including me in multiple store openings in the Savannah, Georgia, area as a grocery manager. This allowed me to see the internal workings behind new store openings and changed my career goals from store management to retail support and operations. Having on-the-job training with my retail improvement specialist and merchandiser laid the foundation for me to be a merchandiser today.”

Talent Acquisition Specialist Ciara Carter, Lakeland, Florida

“I began working at Publix in the print shop as a temporary associate and was later promoted to full-time. I worked there for about 3 years before taking a low-velocity selector position in distribution, then later worked as an administrator. While working in distribution, I met Director of Distribution Jason Bamberger, who led me to an interviewing specialist role; that’s where I found my passion and began applying for recruiting positions. During this time, Jason motivated me to go back to school. I completed my degree and was hired for my current role. My previous manager still mentors me, and my current manager pushes me to continue to grow.”

Store Manager Sanel Tufekcic, #1608, Simpsonville, South Carolina

“Publix has enabled me to live my American dream. I’ve learned the English language working at Publix. Through our culture and manager workshops, I’ve grown tremendously as a person and a leader during my 25 years with Publix. I don’t know where I would be if Publix hadn’t invested in me.”

Customer Service Manager Kirsten Alexander, #677, Destin, Florida

“I started as a part-time front service clerk when I was 17 and believed this would only be a part-time job while I attended college. After changing majors a few times, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. One consistent thing, though, was my job with Publix. I was great at it and had a passion for serving customers. After 4 years of being with the company, I decided to start pursuing opportunities that were available to me. I became a full-time customer service staff in 2007 and worked my way up to my current position. Beginning my Publix career as a teenager in an entry-level position helps me better connect with the younger generation.”

District Manager Cody Lusher, South Carolina

“When I started as a part-time stock clerk at 17, it was just supposed to be a stepping stone to finish high school and work toward becoming a game warden. However, after I learned what Publix store managers made, my interest was sparked, and I started paying more attention to opportunities. When I met President John Goff, who was a district manager at that time, he asked me what I wanted to do at Publix. I told him I would like to be in his position 1 day. He smiled and said, “You can do it!” Fifteen years later, I have had the privilege of becoming a district manager. It took a village to bring me here — countless leaders who spent time mentoring, coaching and developing me.”

Store Manager Nermin Ibrahimovic, #585, Duluth, Georgia

“I started in the deli at 18, straight out of high school. With Publix being my 1st job, it helped me learn life skills like punctuality, self-accountability and personability. Once I decided to make Publix my lifelong career, I became more aware of the opportunities for growth, and I have never looked back.”

Associate Relations Specialist Lex Nieves, Jacksonville, Florida

“I began in 2013 as a part-time front service clerk and later transitioned to a produce clerk while attending college to obtain a business degree in human resources. I eventually graduated and decided not to pursue school any further, since I had fallen in love with being a leader in the produce department. I became an assistant produce manager in 2017 and then a produce manager in 2021. After 5 years of management experience, I knew that I wanted to grow into a role where I could further use my strengths in associate relations. When the retail associate relations specialist role became available, I truly didn’t think I would be considered. I felt not having an advanced degree would hold me back. I quickly realized I was wrong. The number of opportunities at Publix are endless.”

Nutrition Specialist Aria Hetzendorfer, Lakeland, Florida

“I’ve been with Publix for 17 years. While I was working in the stores, I took on leadership roles as a store ambassador. Working in customer service, I grew as a leader by training new associates, running the front end and more. I was also able to grow professionally with the assistance of tuition reimbursement. My long-term goal was to work at corporate as a registered dietitian, and my store training prepared me to fulfill that goal. Now, in my current role, I can further my growth with training.”

Lift Truck Maintenance A Jesus Birriel, Orlando, Florida

“I was hired to be a selector, but with the training Publix provided, I’ve held multiple positions, including battery person and C-class mechanic. These different opportunities helped me build my future and have a fruitful career. Looking back at what I have accomplished these last 26 years, I’m proud of myself and proud to work at Publix.”

Deli Kitchen Department Manager Meera Patel, Lakeland, Florida

“Growing up, I never knew how much of an impact Publix would have on my life. When I came to the U.S. for the 1st time in the early 2000s, I saw the big green Publix billboards everywhere that said, ‘Where shopping is a pleasure.’ That’s been my reality because working here has been the most amazing experience. I started as a deli clerk, and 20 years later, I am a department manager in the deli kitchen. Publix has helped me grow professionally by teaching me new skills. I have also learned a lot about customer service, safety principles and general skills that I plan to use to continue improving, growing and moving up in our company.”

Associate Relations Specialist David Cox, Jacksonville, Florida

“Publix initially helped propel my career by offering tuition reimbursement. While working as a customer service staff, my managers allowed me to shadow the administrative coordinator. Later, after joining the corporate team, leaders in the customer care department offered me the opportunity to develop reporting metrics that would be reviewed throughout the company. This cross-training allowed me to grow since it introduced me to the new human resources data specialist position. Then, Publix supported my desire to become a senior certified professional through the Society for Human Resource Management.”