Everyone has their own Publix story — some start with big career goals of building their future here, and some start with simpler goals like just needing a job. But whether they planned to stay for one year or 45 years, one thing all of these associates have in common is they’re celebrating a big milestone in their Publix career by receiving a service award.

Atlanta Division
District Manager Trent Collins — 30 years

When Trent was in high school, he wanted a part-time job to help him buy a car. But after he started working at Publix, he gained so much more than that.

“I started building strong relationships and, although I didn’t realize it was the Publix culture at the time, I knew there was something that made me feel good about working here,” Trent said.

Trent started as a front service clerk and worked his way up to his current position. One thing he has always enjoyed about his job, no matter which position he was in at the time, is the daily interactions with his co-workers.

“Working with associates and helping them grow their careers is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Every day, I strive to live up to the legacy of Mr. George by investing in others,” Trent said.

Trent’s more than 30 years of experience has taught him that if you work hard and work together, you can be successful at Publix.

“Receiving this service award is quite humbling. I’m so proud to be a small part of the greatest company in the world,” Trent said.

Charlotte Division
Produce Clerk Steve Chandler — 5 years
#829 Columbia, South Carolina 

Steve needed a part-time job and,upon receiving advice from his brother, decided to apply at Publix.

“I didn’t know much about what Publix had to offer at the time, so I talked to some associates who had worked here a while. I learned about the broad opportunities available, and I realized I probably wouldn’t find another opportunity like this,” Steve said.

He was hooked by the Publix culture and the family atmosphere he felt from the first store manager he worked with.

“It was raining one day as I was leaving, and I didn’t have an umbrella or jacket. My store manager loaned me his jacket, so I would stay dry. I was blown away by his thoughtfulness and care,” Steve said.

Steve’s proud to receive this service award because it gives him a great sense of accomplishment.

Jacksonville Division
Grocery Replenishment Specialist Pat Sparks — 45 years
#435, Gainesville, Florida

Since Pat was a little girl, she’s had a special place in her heart for Publix. She was one of six kids being raised by a single mom, and Publix was the only place that would cash her mom’s checks.

“I loved going to Publix with my mom. They had a photo of a cow on the wall, and I remember thinking that was so cool. They were so good to my mom, and they helped my family more than they’ll ever know,” Pat said.

Once she was old enough, Pat applied for a job with Publix. She started as a cashier and worked her way up to store manager. Then, several years ago, her mother became sick and she needed to help take care of her. So, Pat decided to step down in order to stay with Publix because she wasn’t ready to leave.

“Publix is such a caring company, and my managers and co-workers have always made sure I was taken care of,” Pat said.

Pat has a strong appreciation for this service award because from the beginning of her life, she started out with so little.

“We grew up very poor, but with Publix, I’m not poor anymore! This achievement makes me so proud because Publix is a wonderful company,” Pat said.

Lakeland Division
Customer Service Team Leader Stephanie Zarr — 15 years
#614, Estero, Florida

At 16 years old, Stephanie was looking for a part-time job. She had friends at Publix, so she decided to give it a try too.

“Right away, I realized I really liked taking care of and interacting with customers. So, I decided this would be more than just a part-time job
for me,” Stephanie said.

Stephanie enjoys the one-on-one interactions with co-workers she experiences in her current role and loves serving everyone on her team, including those who are just joining our team.

“When new associates start in my store, the best guidance I can give them is to trust Publix and trust their managers. I let them know we want to take care of them and help make them successful here,” Stephanie said.

Although she can’t believe 15 years has already gone by, Stephanie says it feels great to have come this far, and she can’t wait to see what else is in store for her future.

Miami Division
Deli Manager Queen Evans — 20 years
#46, North Miami, Florida

While pursuing a degree in elementary education, Queen worked part-time at Publix. Growing up, her family owned a restaurant, so she felt right at home with the same family feeling she got from her Publix co-workers.

“I started thinking about building a future at Publix instead of teaching. I loved Publix, and between the advancement opportunities and benefits, it made sense to stay put,” Queen said.

She enjoys training and developing associates, and she looks forward to each new challenge she encounters in her current role. Some of the products and processes have changed drastically since she started, but that keeps her motivated to learn.

“I’m excited to grow my career even more by embracing the changes coming my way like the new manager-in-charge program,” Queen said.

Queen already can’t wait to celebrate her next service award. Although she doesn’t know what the future holds just yet, she knows that once she’s ready to retire, it will be from Publix.

Support
Photographer Mark Batson — 35 years

After years of mowing lawns and working at a gas station in Florida, all Mark wanted was a part-time job with air conditioning! His brother was already working at a Publix store and suggested he give it a try.

“The people I worked with made Publix feel like home. It was a feeling like I’d never found in a job before,” Mark said.

In his current position, Mark gets to see all parts of the company — from attending store openings to going behind-the-scenes with company leaders to help tell the story of Publix’s culture.

“People used to tell me once Publix gets big enough, it will change. But our culture and the quality of our people hasn’t changed since I started — so we should all be proud they were wrong,” Mark said.

He believes working for the same company for this long is quite an accomplishment to achieve and credits Publix’s financial stability and people-first philosophy for helping making it possible.

Online Exclusive

Atlanta Division
District Manager Trent Collins — 30 years
“My favorite Publix memory happened shortly after I was promoted into leadership. I arrived early to a meeting in the old corporate office, and as I waited in the lobby, Mr. George came in,” said Trent. “He called me over and talked to me about Publix and my promotion. I didn’t even expect to see him, much less for him to take time out of his day to talk to me. He knew what having that conversation meant to me, and that’s why he did it.”

Charlotte Division
Produce Clerk Steve Chandler — 5 years
#829, Columbia, South Carolina
“New associates who are just starting at Publix should seek out someone with at least five years of service. They can learn so much about the company, the opportunities and the benefits by having those conversations now,” Steve said.

Jacksonville Division
Grocery Replenishment Specialist Pat Sparks — 45 years
#435, Gainesville, Florida
“Next to the birth of my child, being promoted to store manager was one of my favorite memories. But another great one that stands out is the time I got to escort Mr. George around to meet my co-workers,” said Pat. “We were opening a new store, and my manager asked me to show Mr. George around and introduce him to everyone. I was so honored to have that opportunity, and I will always cherish the memory of that day.”
Lakeland Division

Lakeland Division
Customer Service Team Leader Stephanie Zarr — 15 years
#614, Estero, Florida
“During the first few years I worked at Publix, my store always hosted a holiday event for customers and their children. I loved participating, and every year I dressed up as an elf. It was so much fun seeing their faces light up at the decorations and costumes we put together,” Stephanie said.

Miami Division
Deli Manager Queen Evans — 20 years
#46, North Miami, Florida
“My favorite memory is from when I was promoted to deli manager,” said Queen. “I was asked to set up for a celebration and told that a big shot was going to be coming in. Once everything was ready, they filled me in on the surprise — the celebration was for me, and I was being promoted!”

Support
Photographer Mark Batson — 35 years
“In my first year working at corporate, I was tasked with taking photos at a service award celebration,” said Mark. “I rode on the Publix plane with Mr. George, and I got to talk to him the whole way there. From then on, he always remembered my name.”

2016 Service Awards

Years of Service Publix Associates