Customer Service Team Leader Luis Torres is proud of his Hispanic heritage and continuing his family’s Publix legacy. For almost 21 years, Luis — who is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent — has proudly served Publix and its customers. And he’s one in a long line of family members who have embraced the Publix culture.

His mom has worked at Publix for more than 22 years in the bakery department. His stepfather worked for Publix for over 41 years, retiring as a store manager 4 years ago. Luis’ brothers work for Publix, and his wife, Alex, is an assistant meat manager. His godfather also worked at one store for 24 years.

“My family has around 130 years of Publix experience combined,” said Luis. “I’m proud to not only be a part of the Publix family but also part of my family’s legacy with Publix.”

Luis began his Publix career at #669, North Miami Beach, Florida. When Publix entered Birmingham, Alabama, in 2003, he relocated to help open the 1st stores in the state, working at #839, Hoover, and #841, Birmingham. Today, Luis works at #1069, Pinson, Alabama.

“Luis is a humble leader who takes great pride in training new associates and supporting his department managers in any way he can,” said Regional Director Tom Sayers.

Outside of his work, Luis is passionate about community service and participates in events benefitting autism awareness. He also recently became a grandfather and hopes his granddaughter will follow in the family’s Publix footsteps.

Luis says working here has given him a front-row seat to see how Publix embraces diversity. He likes how Publix selects products that are of local interest to different cultures, especially in the multicultural melting pot that encompasses the Miami Division stores he has worked at. On an average day, Luis interacted with customers from Colombian, Cuban, Haitian and Jamaican backgrounds, among others.

According to Luis, no matter the community — be it South Florida or northern Alabama — the Publix culture remains the same.

“For me, it’s not just a job,” he said. “It’s the principles instilled by Mr. George that we carry on today as we perpetuate the Publix culture we all know and love.”

Publix is a family — a big, 250,000-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.