Mechanics Gene and Brandon Anderson’s hands-on skill, pride and passion continue a legacy built on tradition.
Publix first opened its doors in 1930, and from the very beginning, the store included scales for customers to use. These “people weighers” quickly became a popular feature; Mr. George claimed that more than 5 million people used them in the 1st year alone. Today, the father-and-son duo of Gene and Brandon Anderson helps repair and maintain these iconic Publix fixtures, among other things.
Gene is a 2nd-generation associate. His mom worked at the Publix bakery plant for 35 years, and he spent his summers working alongside her. In 1991, he joined the carpentry shop, now called the rebuild shop. Over the years, Gene became known as the “scale doctor” because of his talent for repairing them. “I love seeing people use the things I’ve repaired or created,” Gene said.
His son, Brandon, started working at Publix when he was just 16. As a 3rd-generation associate, he takes great pride in continuing his family’s legacy with the company. He began his Publix career as a front service clerk at #702, Lakeland, Florida, and later joined the rebuild shop. Brandon worked his way up to become a mechanic and has served in that role for 15 years. “One of the best parts of my job is watching my daughter use the scales I helped repair,” Brandon said.
Both Gene and Brandon love working with their hands and equally cherish working together. Their workstations are directly across from one another, allowing them to collaborate daily on the many items the team rebuilds for our stores, including the scales as well as bakery and deli equipment. Not only do they learn from each other, but they also learn from their fellow associates. They both agree that what makes Publix a great place to work is the camaraderie the associates have at the shop.
The next time you step on a Publix scale, think of Gene and Brandon, the father-son team whose hands and hearts keep the scales in tip-top shape for everyone.
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