Our associates cherish many memories of special moments throughout the years. We wanted to know which memories you hold dear, so we asked you to tell us about them. Here are some of your most meaningful Publix moments.
“My favorite memory at Publix was…”
Lab Technician Kristine Landry, Fresh Kitchen, Lakeland, Florida
… of my daughter, Elisa Landry, when she started her Publix career at #1212, Plant City, Florida, in October 2019 just after turning 16 years old. I often get compliments about her from friends and neighbors. As a Publix associate, I’m super proud to work at this amazing company and proud of my daughter for making her way in the world at her first job.
Bakery Clerk Telsey Alford, #504, Holiday, Florida
… the day I met Sara and her daughter, Addie. They would come by the bakery to get a kid’s cookie. Around Easter, Addie’s mom, Sara, came in without her. I brought her some Easter cupcakes and a bunny that I asked her to deliver to Addie. I never thought Sara would write about it on her Facebook page, sending the story viral. As a result, I was awarded a gold coin for my dedication and service, which I will cherish for a lifetime.
Deli Clerk Jeannette Onorato, #1328, Cape Coral, Florida
… meeting Mr. George, although I didn’t know it at the time. After graduating high school, I went to work at my father’s business. One day while shopping in Publix, a man approached me and asked what my plans were for my future. I told him about my father’s business, where my sister and I worked. He said that was great and told me how Publix would always be there for me. My father passed in 2003, and after Hurricane Charley, I lost my home and the business. I struggled to make ends meet, and it was hard. But I hadn’t forgotten what that man said to me years earlier, so in 2017, I applied and was hired as a deli clerk. On my first day, I saw a picture on the wall of that man I had met many years earlier and discovered it was George Jenkins. My sister now works for Publix, too, after losing her job from the pandemic. If I could, I would tell Mr. George thank you, and that my sister and I are here for Publix.
Store Manager Joshua Fahlstrom, #1567, Winter Garden, Florida
… in March 2017, when I attended the Retail Operations Conference (ROC) for the first time and my first year as a store manager. This was an extremely special moment for me as I got to share my first experience at the ROC with the store manager who hired me! I aspire to have the same impact on my associates as Bill had on me.
Purchasing Analyst Kristi Isabelle, Lakeland, Florida
… working alongside my mom, Julie, and two younger sisters, Kelli and Jodi. Through the years, our positions have changed, and we may be in different locations, but Publix will always hold a piece of our hearts in our family — along with the wonderful memories together.
Customer Service Staff Janetta Matthew, #511, Tampa, Florida
… when I became full time. It was the best day ever, and I even met the mayor of Tampa! I’m so thankful to management for giving me the opportunity to join the Publix family.
Pharmacy Central Fill Specialist Tomas Arana, Orlando, Florida
… meeting both the former CEO, Ed Crenshaw and our current CEO, Todd Jones. It’s not very common you get to meet two CEOs of an amazing company, and both experiences were amazing because they are each very humble men who show love and passion for Publix.
Director of Retail Pharmacy Operations Kathy Leonard, Miami
… when I was bestowed the honor of representing Publix Pharmacy as the first George W. Jenkins Award recipient for the department at the Retail Operations Conference this year. So many associates have contributed to the success of our pharmacy, and I am honored to be a small part of it. I’m filled with pride for Publix and all the hardworking people who I call family.
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Cashier Anthony Saccente, #653, West Palm Beach, Florida
… when I received a special mask from a customer. I am deaf, and since COVID-19, I haven’t been able to read lips. But I continue to use gestures and body language to communicate. I feel very appreciated and loved by customers!
Warehouse Person James Oliver Johnson, Jr., Orlando, Florida
… winning the 2019 YMCA Lake Nona, Florida, Division Basketball Championship with the Orlando refrigerated warehouse team. Then, after the passing of warehouse associate Socrates Ellis, Richard Black formed two basketball teams — Box Meat Dairy Ballers and Publix Ballers — to help us come together in healing and boost morale. Our teams played our first games during the 2020 season, but the playoffs for the 2020 championship were canceled due to COVID-19. When things resume normalcy, we’re looking forward to welcoming Publix warehouse associates to join the team and get back on the court to build morale, health and wellness.
IS Systems Engineer Palanivel Manoharan, Lakeland, Florida
… when I received the 2019 I/S Award for Excellence in problem solving. I had only been with the company for nine months and felt very appreciated for my hard work. It was such a great moment, one I will never forget.
Retail Staffing Specialist Chris Bagnati, Jupiter, Florida
… in 2007, when I was a customer service staff at #241, Stuart, Florida, we came together to help out a fellow associate. He rode his bicycle to work every day. It was his mode of transportation to his job as a front service clerk — which he thoroughly loved. His bike was damaged beyond repair in the bike rack by another cyclist, and he was heartbroken. The closing shift and I took up a collection and bought him a new bike, spare tire and bike lock. We presented it to him the next day, and he was so surprised people would do that for him. But that’s what Publix people do. This picture still hangs in my cubicle at work as a reminder to treat people the way you want to be treated, invest in others and do the right thing.
Bakery Clerk Mary Murphy, #1327, Cape Coral, Florida
… having a story about the service I provided to a customer published in the Publix book ‘A Piece of the Pie’ in 2005. I really enjoy serving our customers. It’s a great feeling to make customers feel better when they leave than when they come in, and it was an honor to be mentioned in the book.
Store Manager Brent Kilgard, #814, Daytona Beach, Florida
… the day Jacksonville Division Vice President Scott Brubaker promoted me to store manager. It was everything I worked for my entire career and by far the best day of my Publix life.
Assistant Customer Service Manager Michelle Seabrooks, #1505, Alachua, Florida
… last Halloween when my customer service team leader and I dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Publix. I found the perfect green gown at Goodwill and made our sashes, which turned out great! We had a blast at work that day — customers and associates loved it.
Policies & Procedures Specialist Karen Caudle, Lakeland, Florida
… when my idea to waste less paper was implemented. In 1991, I was working at a store in Miami, responsible for breaking down price change tags and updating our DSD vendor price book. I called the IdeaLine to suggest we print only pages with the actual price changes instead of printing all 200 – 300 pages because sometimes only one item or page in a vendor category changed. Shortly afterward, I received a letter from Danny Risener, retired vice president of information systems, stating that Publix was implementing my idea to ‘wring out the waste’ associated with this process companywide. Danny said they determined this would save approximately 60% of the pages and would greatly reduce the number of shelf tags Publix threw away when doing resets. It was incredibly rewarding to hear that Publix took the time to look into my idea, implement it and then recognize me for my suggestion by sending me a personal letter.
Staffing Specialist Rhakeem (RJ) Vanderburg, Charlotte, North Carolina
… when I helped collect bottle caps to assist a fellow associate’s mother, who was previously a Publix associate. The hospital where she was receiving treatment for cancer had a program involving recycled bottle caps, which raised funds to help with her medical expenses. We gathered caps at the store and reached out to the dairy plant for their help too. We received a gold coin for our efforts, but helping another associate is what keeps the spirit of Mr. George alive in the company.
Decorator Theresa Tazewell, #1257, Flagler Beach, Florida
… receiving a beautiful bouquet of roses from a customer after our heartfelt connection as mothers of autistic sons. Her son loved the ganache cake and would’ve been crushed if she came home without it. Understanding the situation, I pulled the cake and decorated it by the time she finished her other shopping. I told her about my son and that she was doing an amazing job. She thanked me, started crying and we hugged. Shortly after, the Assistant Customer Service Manager came over with a dozen roses and free half sub card. He said she was tearing up talking about me and bought the roses for me. This is why I absolutely love my job. I can’t wait to go to work every day. The customers and my Publix family make my job so rewarding.
Customer Service Staff James LaMarca, #1021, Brentwood, Tennessee
… kicking off our Special Olympics campaign with fellow associate Matthew Drumright. He’s a megastar in Special Olympic events — everything from golf to weightlifting to basketball. He’s an amazing associate and asset to our team.
GWM Customer Service Staff Dalton Cates, #1676, Mountain Brook, Alabama
… helping open a GreenWise Market alongside people who became close friends. A store is only as good as its team, and we sure have a great one! GreenWise Market is an exciting adventure, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
Training Specialist Melissa Gonzalez, Atlanta Division
…when I was awarded a gold coin, one of the greatest accomplishments a Publix associate can achieve. Shortly after attending my CPR class, an associate called to say he wasn’t feeling well. He was dizzy and faint with a pain in his arm, and he was going to meet up with his wife. I advised him to pull over, immediately left the store where I was teaching and met up with his wife on the way to where he was. By that point, someone had called 911, and we all went to the hospital, where I stayed until he was released from the emergency room. My Publix family was overwhelmingly appreciative for how I helped him, but I think it’s what any Publix person would’ve done because we are family. We’re there for each other.
Administrative Assistant Teresa Olinger, Lakeland, Florida
… when I was honored with the Mr. George Community Service Award in 2009. It was truly an honor to have been chosen to represent the legacy of Mr. George through an award that is particularly meaningful to me because of his love for community. I’ll never forget the moment Howard Jenkins called to let me know I had been selected to receive the award.
Assistant Store Manager Michelle Colón, #1383, Lexington, South Carolina
… meeting our former CEO, Ed Crenshaw, at a Lakeland Division meeting prior to his retirement. He took the time to talk with us about Publix and encouraged us as leaders. Even though he probably had a very busy schedule, he took the time to make us feel valued. After Ed left the meeting, Todd Jones, our current CEO, also spent time with our team for discussions. That inspired me to be a leader who truly follows Mr. George’s philosophy of treating people like royalty — customers and associates alike. I’m proud to work for a great company that’s led by influential leaders. I aspire to do the same as I continue my journey as a leader with Publix.
Distribution Technical Writer Jenna Barefoot, Lakeland, Florida
… when Mr. George came to visit the Publix Child Development Center (PCDC). As a child, I attended the PCDC, and Mr. George would regularly attend special programs, such as graduation. It was a special day when he came to visit!
Assistant Customer Service Manager Lisa Farmer, #1138, Palm Coast, Florida
… meeting Mr. George. I love my job!
Senior Manager Supply Chain Replenishment David Simon, Lakeland, Florida
… when my daughter, Erin Simon, and I took this picture together at #356, Lakeland, Florida, on Sept. 6, 2019 — the same date I started my Publix career 33 years ago at the very same store. Erin joined Publix in May 2019 and my wife, who also works at Publix, and I are so excited our daughter joined the Publix family.
Customer Service Staff Brittnie Kiel, #1543, Greeneville, Tennessee
… in August 2011, I was working at #311, Tampa, Florida, when we were having a ‘Welcome Back, University of South Florida’ event. Little did I know that my boyfriend, James Keil, had worked with managers to organize a surprise proposal disguised as a group photo.
Customer Service Manager Keith Williams, #1556, Monroe, North Carolina
… meeting my wife in 2010 when I provided her carryout service. She initially declined my offer, so I’m glad I persisted. We had an obvious connection, and the conversation was effortless. We will celebrate eight years of marriage this September!
Produce Clerk Walter Wolfe, #1448, Inverness, Florida
… meeting my wife, Lois, at Publix. We just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary and going strong.
Community Relations Manager Chris Norberg, Jacksonville Division
… meeting my future wife on my first day at a new store in 2013. All of my nerves were forgotten when I saw the most beautiful woman standing next to the time clock. Our career paths have changed a few times and taken us to different cities. We often talk about our fateful meeting and that had it not been for Publix, we never would’ve found each other.
Customer Service Staff Debbie Rinderknecht, #577, Palm City, Florida
… meeting my husband, Wade, while working at Publix in 2002. We welcomed our firstborn child, Rhianna, on Sept. 29, 2004 — sharing a birthday with Mr. George. We knew then that she would be truly special, and now she works for this great company too. We’re passing the Publix culture on to a new generation!
Maintenance Coordinator Barry Carter, Atlanta Division
… when I met my future wife, Lori, at the Publix Christmas party in 1985. I was working the night shift at the bakery plant, and Lori was working in the afternoons. We worked different shifts, so we never met until mutual friends introduced us at the party. We’ve now been married for 33 years and have two wonderful children. We’re very thankful the Lord and Publix brought us together.
