In industrial operations, safety is not just a priority; it is a highly valued difference maker task that shapes Publix’s success.
From the moment our industrial operations associates get hired, they promise to uphold the highest safety standards. During onboarding, they make this promise: “As Publix associates, we value each other as the most important resource within our company. Our primary responsibility as owners is to treat each other with dignity and respect, which includes working safely for ourselves and others. To that end, I understand all work must be done safely. I promise to work safely, to encourage others to work safely, and to address unsafe conditions.”
This month, we are recognizing 4 industrial operations associates for prioritizing safety.
Fleet Safety Specialist Jose Chavez
Greensboro, North Carolina
Jose started working for Publix when he graduated from high school at 18. He was hired as a warehouse selector in frozen foods and quickly realized the endless ways to grow within our great company. In his current role, Jose facilitates safety and skills training programs to enhance our safety culture and reduce the accident rate within the Greensboro private fleet. He supports 175 truck drivers. Jose thinks outside the box and draws from his experience as a Publix truck driver to effectively communicate the importance of safe driving. His dedication to his team and commitment to keeping associates safe make him a My Publix, My Part difference maker.
Why is safety something you prioritize and value?
Safety is important to me because it impacts everybody. Our associates, our customers and the people outside of Publix deserve to be safe at all times. I like to work with the mindset that if we continue to work in a safe environment, we can safely return home to our loved ones every day.
What makes you successful at work?
Teamwork and determination. You have to be able to work with your team to readjust and move forward if things don’t go your way, and taking guidance from others helps too. I work very closely with the Publix fleet safety team, and getting their advice has really affected my career and shaped who I am as a leader.
One of my favorite success stories was last year, when we competed in the North Carolina Truck Driving Championship. It was our 1st time competing, and we placed 1st in 3 different classes. We also won Rookie of the Year and Grand Champion awards. It was an outstanding performance that was only possible because of teamwork.
What are your career goals with Publix?
Right now, I am focused on becoming the best fleet safety specialist that I can be. I love my job, and I want to know it like the back of my hand. Later, I’d like to become a regional fleet safety supervisor.
Deli Plant Team Leader Tyler (RT) Payne
Lakeland, Florida
RT started his career at Publix as a salad room worker in September 2009. He worked his way up to a slicing room operator in 2023 and became a team leader in June 2024. RT and his team support the production areas, inspecting raw materials before shipping them to different departments. Whether going about his day-to-day activities or completing non-routine tasks, he always works safely and sets an example for his team.
What is your work philosophy?
To give 100% effort and help every associate of mine appreciate Publix as much as I do. Two of the main motivations in my work are personal relationships and company loyalty. I love to work with a team that values each other’s contributions. I also know that my attitude and the way I work with others can impact my associates’ day. I try to be the type of leader who helps motivate my team and keeps them positive at work.
What does being recognized as a My Publix, My Part difference maker mean to you?
It’s rewarding to know that your hard work is appreciated. I feel accomplished and proud of the work I get to do for this great company.
What advice would you give to a future Publix associate?
I would say 2 things. Firstly, there are many career opportunities and benefits to being a Publix associate. If you have a goal, Publix will help you achieve it.
Secondly, cutting corners and rushing through your tasks to get them done sooner will always do more harm than good. There are so many great people around you to help if you need it, so you never need to rush.
Cafeteria worker Juan Pena
Orlando, Florida
Juan has been with Publix since 2017. He started at the Orlando distribution center as a cook, working the night shift. In 2018, he became a cafeteria worker. Juan is known for having a positive attitude and being a hard worker, but what truly sets him apart is that he consistently executes the difference maker task of working safely. Juan is always in uniform and observes all policies and procedures. He follows our safety guidelines and cleanliness standards, adheres to all recipes and food safety, and always thinks about his customers. His proactive approach to safety guidelines makes Juan a My Publix, My Part difference maker.
What makes you successful at work?
I think staying positive makes me successful. I view working for Publix as a privilege. I take 2 buses to and from work every day, and I would take 2 more if I had to. I know a lot of people who would love to work for Publix.
Why is safety something you prioritize and value?
Safety is important to me because, like me, everyone I work with has a life outside of work. I want to leave every day knowing that all my associates and I can go home safely to our families.
One safety measure we take daily is wearing gloves. We wear steel mesh gloves when working with the slicer and latex gloves when putting out food. Taking an extra 10 seconds to put on gloves can prevent a lot of harm, not only to yourself but also to those around you.
What does being a My Publix, My Part difference maker mean to you?
I’m honored to be recognized at work. I never would have imagined that I would be featured in Publix News.
Deerfield Fresh Kitchen Team Leader Angela Walker
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Angela began working for Publix in 2023 as a line operator. After facing some challenges in her personal life, she was nervous about having a full-time job again. But as soon as Angela started with Publix, she felt like she had found her passion. She moved up quickly, and today she is a leader who fosters a strong sense of teamwork and accountability among her peers. Angela’s commitment to safety and operational efficiency is her secret to success. She is quick to identify areas of improvement and works collaboratively with management to implement solutions that enhance productivity while maintaining the highest safety standards. Her positivity and dedication to maintaining a safe workplace make her a My Publix, My Part difference maker.
What makes you successful at work?
Working safely with a smile on my face. When you work safely, you can be confident you are delivering the best products and customer service. There’s peace of mind behind what you’re doing, especially because we work with a lot of machinery at the Deerfield fresh kitchen.
What keeps you at Publix?
The people and the culture. Five years ago, I lost my 16-year-old daughter. I took 4 years off from work to grieve, and the only place I would frequently visit was my local Publix to pick up groceries. Every time I went in, I was greeted with a smiling face and the kindest people. When I was ready to return to work, it was an easy decision to apply at Publix. The culture is very genuine, and Publix associates — no matter what area of the company you work in — truly make a difference in the lives of others.
What are your career goals?
Here’s a funny story. At the end of my 1st day at Publix as a line worker, I told my manager I wasn’t going to come back. She told me to please come back, and we’d take it day by day. Every day, it got easier, and I got better. That has stuck with me throughout my entire career. Now, once I get confident in what I do, I tend to look at the mentors around me, and I get inspired. I want to inspire and motivate others in the same way that my mentors did for me. My next career goal is to become a production manager. We have many great production managers who make sure that everyone is working safely and that no one drops the ball. I am inspired by them, and I want to keep growing as a professional at Publix.
