Local Customization Specialists Alberto Suarez, James Callejas, Miguel Urena and Pamella Chmilarski (pictured from left to right) are passionate about meeting evolving consumer needs.

The local customization team uses its experience, along with industry data and insights, to advise our purchasing and retail teams on smaller and unconventional brands, as well as unique products for specific markets.

James Callejas

James Callejas focuses on natural and organic products, specializing in vitamins and supplements, health and beauty care, nonfoods and pet products. Before joining Publix in 2019, he worked for an independent retailer for over 13 years, where he served as a vitamin manager overseeing 10,000 SKUs and an assistant store manager.

“I came from a retailer with no conventional products, and I saw the impact natural and organic products made on our customers and their health,” said James. “Now I get to do the same thing at Publix, but instead of impacting one small community, I get to impact communities across our 8-state operating area.”

Pamella Chmilarski

Pamella Chmilarski is responsible for natural, kosher and international products. Before coming to Publix in 2017, she worked for a natural product distributor and a natural retail chain as the category manager for all refrigerated, frozen and center store items.

Now, she handles natural and organic food categories. “I get to share insights not only on market trends driving the industry today, but also on emerging consumer behaviors that could possibly influence the industry trends of tomorrow,” Pamella said.

Alberto Suarez

Alberto Suarez specializes in multicultural and natural products for our fresh departments. Alberto began his Publix career as a meat clerk in 1998 before serving as a meat manager for over 20 years. He joined the local customization team in 2023, and supports both fresh and frozen categories.

“Our local customization team is made up of associates with diverse backgrounds, which helps us collaborate effectively and develop solutions that best support our purchasing and retail teams,” Alberto said.

Miguel Urena

Miguel Urena concentrates on multicultural and ethnic products. He began his career working for one of the largest national retailers in the U.S. for 6 years. Miguel then worked for several distributors for almost 2 decades before coming to Publix in 2022. “My experience across the industry allows me to offer Publix valuable recommendations tailored to our needs,” Miguel said.

Team tips

Being part of this team means staying well-rounded and ready to learn. “We keep an open mind and tackle what we know and what we don’t know,” Alberto said.

“The best way to learn is to ask questions and do research,” said Pamella. “That is what keeps our recommendations on point and up to date with the latest industry trends.”

If you have a question about unique and specialty products, email localcustomizationteam@publix.com for more information.