After leaving Puerto Rico at age 10, Equipment Technician Mike Krupar never expected to find a 2nd home at Publix.

In 1981, 17-year-old Mike found a part-time job as a front service clerk at former #184, which was at the time located on Dunn Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida. When he graduated from high school, he didn’t know what to do next.

“I had to choose between pursuing my career with Publix or joining the Army,” he said. “Since childhood, I have always been handy with tools and mechanics. So, in 1983, I opted to join the Publix garage in Jacksonville.”

Ten years later, Mike made the switch to the facilities services team in Jacksonville where he still works today. He became a team leader in 2016. In his current position, he focuses on training new associates to perform at the high standards Mike and Publix are known for.

“I have met great role models at Publix. They have always inspired me to give my best,” Mike said, proud to pass on that inspiration. His advice to younger associates is to never give up and continue to learn. After 41 years, Mike is still learning and growing his skills.

Even though he’s still going strong, Mike knows retirement is getting closer, and he is grateful for the opportunities Publix has given his family. The father of 3 loves to fish and looks forward to enjoying more of his hobby in retirement. And he knows if he ever wants to come back, he can always come home to his Publix family.

Publix is a family — a big, 230,000-person one — with backgrounds from across the country and around the world. This article is part of a series featuring associates from a variety of backgrounds, age groups and cultures, and we love sharing their successes. We hope our articles help you learn a little more about your fellow associates who make up our Publix family.