Kent Atkinson’s journey with Publix began in 1979, unloading railcars at the Lakeland grocery warehouse.

He worked in various fire safety and warehouse administration positions until 2016. After a short-lived retirement, Kent rejoined the company in 2019 as a shopping center maintenance coordinator.

He says no 2 days are the same. One day, he might be reviewing budgets in the office, while the next day he’s on-site solving irrigation issues at a company-owned shopping center or responding to an accident at a store.

In his role, Kent is responsible for everything outside the stores — from roofing to parking lots to landscaping. He works with many associates, including real estate property managers, facilities contact center specialists, facilities maintenance coordinators and store managers.

He values these relationships deeply. “I couldn’t do my job if it weren’t for the people I work with,” said Kent. “I would not be successful if my team wasn’t successful.”

Early in his career, Kent served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer, where he refined his communication skills to effectively handle situations with calmness and clarity. Kent draws on that experience daily, embracing the principle of “seek to understand” — a mindset that guides both his work and personal life.

One of his proudest achievements was using his fire prevention knowledge to improve how Publix manages company-owned tenant spaces. He believes his 46 years of Publix experience have been invaluable in his current role.

Kent’s advice to associates: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Understanding an issue helps you make the right decision.”

If you’re looking for your next career opportunity, visit the Publix careers website.