By - June 1, 2025

Associate makes a difference through genuine connections

George Sturgis is a beloved front service clerk at #313, Jupiter, Florida. When he started at Publix in 2020, he found a true sense of belonging.

Known for his hard work and pleasant spirit, George is admired by his team.

“He is full of positivity and an inspiration to those around him,” said Store Manager Joyette Campbell. “It’s a pleasure working alongside George and having him on our team.”

George is nonverbal and has a unique way of connecting with his customers and co-workers. Whether it’s a smile, a wave or a friendly fist bump, his greetings brighten the day of everyone he meets. And when he needs to share important updates, he writes them down or sends a text message to his managers.

Customers love seeing George when they shop at his store. “They often leave comments praising his premier service and express appreciation for Publix’s commitment to hiring individuals with different abilities,” Joyette said.

George enjoys seeing his customers as much as they enjoy seeing him.

“I look forward to coming to work because it’s such a fun environment, and everyone treats me with kindness,” he shared. “I also love working close to the beach and enjoying the beautiful view.”

One of George’s favorite Publix memories is meeting his managers for the 1st time after officially joining the team. Their care and compassion made his 1st year unforgettable, and it was clear that he had found a place where he belonged.


Publix is a family — a big, 260,000-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.