Store Manager Asad Mohammad’s story is an inspiration to everyone willing to put in the hard work.
In 2006, Asad, #1792, Yulee, Florida, made a drastic life change when he moved to America from his small village in Punjab, India. He got married and relocated to Florida. Back in his country, he taught Arabic and did not speak a single word of English; Urdu is his primary language.
“It was a big culture shock for me. I grew up in a very poor community. We did not have the facilities we have in the U.S.,” he said. “I was used to getting water from a well, and wearing shoes was a luxury.”
But he was ready for a new start.
He immediately began looking for a job when he arrived. He reached out to a lot of companies, without much success. And then, one day, he got a call from Publix.
“I did not understand a single word the person on the phone said. I only knew I had a job interview and that they would be waiting for me on the following day,” said Asad.
He was nervous because he previously had an interview at a gas station and was rejected because of the language barrier. However, at Publix, the outcome was different, and he started as a grocery clerk.
One of his managers noticed his work ethic and firmly believed he had what it takes to have a great career.
“The first few weeks, it didn’t go so well. When people asked me for information, I was not able to talk to them. I felt useless and even cried,” he said.
He finally realized that he couldn’t continue like that. He decided to go back to school and learn English. He also took computer classes.
“I did not have a lot of money. But Publix had tuition reimbursement opportunities, and this was helpful,” he said. “My management team was always supporting me and providing me with great advice.”
He was a quick learner and began to get more and more comfortable with English. Being able to understand the language gave a boost to his confidence. Managers continued to notice his efforts. He was given more responsibilities, and today he is a proud store manager.
“When I look back at where I come from and what I have accomplished, I feel proud. I am not ashamed of my poor background. I believe that having to fight all my life to survive gave me the willingness to build a better future for my family and me,” he said.
Asad always tells everyone how great it is to work for Publix. He loves the benefits the company offers and its culture.
“I work 100% for Publix, and it gives me 110% back,” he likes to say.
Publix made his American dream come true, and it will always be a part of him. Asad believes if he was successful with the challenges he faced, then anyone can make it to the top.
Publix is a family — a big, 240,000-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.
