Since 1930, Mr. George’s vision for our company has led to over 1,370 stores and more than 255,000 associates. Mr. George built our company on values that make Publix unique. From offering words of encouragement to treating customers like royalty, he built the Publix culture we carry on today.

Mr. George’s birthday is Sept. 29. Let’s continue to reflect on his vision for our company and build on what he began as we celebrate him this month.

We are proud to keep Mr. George’s legacy alive and continue his lessons, which have worked for 94 years. Continue reading and watch the videos about Mr. George’s lessons to learn more about him.

What did Mr. George mean by investing in others?
He believed that success depends on the ability of individuals to work together. What makes Publix unique is that individual associates are company owners. Mr. George wanted his employees to share ownership of the business. This company ownership began at the 1st store in 1930. On the heels of the Great Depression, he knew how hard it would be for associates to invest. So, he gave each one a $2-a-week raise, then held the money to pay for the stock. In 50 weeks, the stock was paid in full, and everyone in the store was a stockholder.

Why did Mr. George believe it was important to give back?
His philosophy of giving was simple — he believed that giving back was not an expense but an investment and a privilege. He believed that for any organization to be truly successful, it must give back.

Why did Mr. George always say to prepare for opportunity?
Mr. George encouraged people to prepare because opportunities are everywhere. He created an environment for Publix people to be successful if they so desire. He said, “Success is doing what you like to do — and doing it well. The aim is to learn all you can about the business and do the best job you can for the customer.”

Promoting from within has allowed hundreds of thousands of people to reach their career goals by starting in entry-level positions and receiving training on the job throughout their careers.

Where did Mr. George grow up?
Harris City, Georgia

What is Mr. George’s middle name?
Washington

How old was Mr. George when he graduated from high school?
16

How much money did Mr. George have when he came to Florida in 1925?
$9

What was the name of the grocery store that Mr. George worked in as a teenager once he moved to Florida?
Piggly Wiggly

Where did the 1st Publix open?
Winter Haven, Florida

Where did Mr. George get the name Publix?
He said he borrowed it from Publix Paramount Theaters, a movie theater chain that was going out of business at the time.

How old was Mr. George when he opened the 1st Publix store?
He was just 22 years old and turned 23 about 3 weeks later.

What were some of Mr. George’s hobbies?
He enjoyed golfing, hunting, barbecuing and volunteering.

How many siblings did Mr. George have?
He had 7 siblings: 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

What was Mr. George’s favorite food?
He loved simple Southern meals like fried chicken with mashed potatoes, pork chops with gravy, hamburgers and hot dogs, and fish and grits, which was a Friday tradition with his family. He was also known to “splurge” on lobster for his birthday every year.

What was Mr. George’s favorite color?
He loved the color green. Several rooms in his house, including his bedroom and bathroom, were green.