Pat began his Publix career in 1984 in the carpenter shop in the Lakeland Division. In 1992, he helped launch the Atlanta Division by joining facility services, where he became the assistant manager in 2003. He joined the Jacksonville Division as the manager of facilities services in 2015. He returned to Lakeland in 2022 as refrigeration maintenance program manager and was promoted to senior manager the following year. Since 2024, Pat has proudly served in his current role.

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?

Without a doubt — the people. From my very 1st job at Publix to the one I have now, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most inspiring, kind-hearted individuals. Whether collaborating with suppliers or supporting our retail teams, I’ve seen firsthand how Publix associates bring passion, integrity and care to everything they do. It’s phenomenal.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

I asked my wife and a few friends for help with this, and I settled on these: approachable, consistent and logical.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be and why?

No one’s, because I like the way my shoes fit *ba dum tsss.* But in all seriousness, while there are always things I’d love to improve or experience differently, I’m very content with who I am and the path I’m on.

What’s your favorite Publix product?

I have 2. The 1st is the GreenWise Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds. The 2nd is our Ribeye Steaks.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The most enjoyable thing for me is watching other people succeed and achieve their goals. When I started at Publix, I never imagined my career would become what it is today, and I love seeing that same journey unfold for others. I have this saying when I talk to new associates: “What makes Publix different is we do life together.” We work hard together, face challenges together and celebrate milestones together. Some days will be hard, but it’s that sense of shared purpose and support that makes every day meaningful.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I either wanted to be an architect or a high-end finishing carpenter. I love going into colonial buildings and admiring all the exceptional trim work.

How would you summarize working in facilities maintenance and warehousing?

I would describe it as a dynamic blend of challenges, learning and purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding — especially during disasters, when our command center activates and our teams rally to restore operations. From refrigeration to logistics, everyone plays a vital role in getting stores back up and running. Helping communities in moments of real need is 1 of the most meaningful parts of the position. Every task and every effort contribute to something bigger, which makes it so fulfilling.

Would you rather be in a rural or urban setting if a zombie apocalypse occurred?

Rural because everything’s better in the country.

What is 1 thing you are grateful for?

My wife, Mary Lou. She has been my encourager, and she has supported me since we met when we were 21.

What is your favorite movie?

It’s not technically a movie, but I would say the “Hatfields & McCoys” miniseries. I loved it so much that I learned how to speak with their accents.

What is 1 thing on your bucket list?

My wife and I want to travel the U.S. We have a small camper now, but when we retire 1 day, we’ll probably upgrade to a nicer model and visit the national parks.

What’s your proudest moment?

There have been so many, but I’m most proud of my kids. Seeing them develop into good people fills me with immense pride.

What’s your favorite sports team?

The Atlanta Braves

Do you have any pets?

We have an Olde English Bulldogge named Tic.

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?

I would tell them to set aside quiet time each day to reflect on how to solve problems, clarify goals and plan next steps. Today, everyone is so attached to their screens that we rarely pause to think deeply. If you look at successful people throughout history like Franklin Roosevelt, they made time to be alone and think. Giving yourself that space for reflection can make all the difference.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

A bad day doesn’t make a bad career, and a bad decision doesn’t make a bad associate.

If you could only eat 1 thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My wife’s banana pudding. It’s so good! She has a special recipe that makes it extra thick and fluffy.

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?

I am an introvert by nature. A lot of people at work probably think I’m an extrovert, but I use a lot of energy to engage in that way.

What’s your professional or personal motto?

I have 2:

• Nothing happens ’round here without great Publix people making it happen. (I add a little twang when I say that one.)
• People are like 1-ton trucks — they run better with a load. Just like a heavy-duty truck is designed to carry weight and operates more smoothly when loaded, humans thrive when they have goals and something to work toward. We do better when we know we have a purpose and it’s meaningful.

What motivates you to work hard?

This one is difficult to answer because I genuinely enjoy working and I love my job. It’s probably the way I was raised, but I have always viewed work as a privilege and a responsibility. We are designed to work, and I have always felt motivated to get up and get it done.

If you could meet anyone in the past or present, who would it be and why?

Three different people, all for the same reason, including

• Moses
• Abraham Lincoln and
• General George Marshall.

They all had the huge task of leading people, and they all did it so well.

What’s the coolest gift you’ve ever given someone, and the coolest gift you’ve ever received?

My father-in-law recently passed away, but last Christmas, my wife and I got him a 65-inch TV and a new TV stand. He would watch TV on a 36-inch screen, and he was getting to the point where he couldn’t move around as much anymore, so we figured it was time for an upgrade. He was a huge Gators fan and loved watching their games, and he would also rewatch some of his favorite old shows. He was so surprised and excited when we brought in that big TV.

The coolest gift I ever received was years ago from my wife, and it was a fish finder. I was shocked she even knew which one I wanted, but she had been asking my friends which one to get me.