‘Tis the season to be thankful — and we’re counting our blessings. As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, our associates shared what they’re grateful for.
Store Manager Rob McNally, #585, Duluth, Georgia
“I am thankful for my family and all of the support they have provided me during my career at Publix! Publix has been part of my life for decades, and nearly all of our close family and friends work or have worked for Publix. After getting promoted to store manager, my wife worked her magic and planned a surprise party for me with all of our close friends and family. From the cake to the decorations, it was all Publix-themed! It was very heartwarming to see the love and support. I look forward to spreading the Publix culture and spirit as we build our brand and continue to provide premier service and quality to our customers and associates. Publix truly is one big family, and for that I am forever grateful!”
Office 365 Administrator Kristi McKenzie, Lakeland, Florida
“I am thankful my mom was gifted a new liver this year. My mom has had stage 4 cirrhosis for almost 5 years. A few months ago, we were in complete shock when she was able to have a liver transplant. I am so grateful she gets to see my kids grow up.”
Manager of Loss Prevention Bruce Nelson, Jacksonville Division
“I am thankful for my niece, Vivi. She loves shopping at Publix because her Uncle Bu (me) works there. As you can see, the free cookies at #42, Canton, Georgia, probably sweeten the deal a bit.”
Assistant Store Manager Tanya Nelson, #1359, Riviera Beach, Florida
“I am thankful for the support and love of my family, friends and co-workers. They all followed my pregnancy journey that has lasted for over 10 years. Without their support to get me through the roughest of times, I would not be where I am today, personally and professionally. 2020 was a hard year for many, but I was blessed to welcome my son, Luke, into the world.”
Online Exclusive
Grocery Manager Jeremy Scott, #1029, Homestead, Florida
“I am thankful for my family. My wife almost died giving birth to our 4th child last November. She is 26 years old and had to have an emergency hysterectomy to save her life. We wanted more kids, but I am forever grateful to have our 4 children — 2 girls and 2 boys — and still have her by my side.”
SQA Test Analyst Jenn Whiting, Lakeland, Florida
“I am thankful for all the medical staff who are working tirelessly to meet the needs of those in their time of need, as well as their families. I am especially thankful for Zach, who goes above and beyond at Lakeland Regional Health as a patient care assistant (PCA) and still comes home to be an amazing husband.”
Frozen Foods Distribution Operator Holly Hart, Jacksonville, Florida
“On Jan. 2, 2021, I lost my 14-year-old daughter, Savannah. She had epilepsy and passed away following a seizure. I never realized how much my fellow associates cared about me until that day. In true Publix fashion, my team went above and beyond. They got together and donated money so I could have more time with my family. So many people did things for us, and I can’t fit it into 100 words or less. They cared, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough.”
Gift Card Specialist Isabella Hainlin, Lakeland, Florida
“My life is simple and I’m thankful for that. I have a large family and many friends who have and continue to support me in my life and my faith. I work for a company I believe in and have a position I enjoy, as well as colleagues I admire and respect. I’m most thankful for the people in my life who are supportive and caring.”
Administrative Assistant Anca Velazquez, Miami Division
“I am thankful for a year that forced a focus on connection, though it didn’t feel like it most of the time. I am so much more connected with my church, family and friends than ever before. I am grateful for a year that has reminded me how fast things can change and to be thankful for every opportunity I’m able to have.”
Manager of Loyalty, CRM & Personalization Tara Barcza, Lakeland, Florida
“I’m thankful for my family’s resilience since March 2020. The mental, physical and emotional challenges we have endured to navigate life safely, confidently and with some amount of daily joy has been both exhausting and amazing to watch. My 2 children are just starting their adult lives, and although this has been a tough road, I’m thankful for the lessons they have gained along the way.”
Customer Service Manager Cynthia Pamela Brown, #1571, Doral, Florida
“I am thankful for my faith in God. I am also a single mom and grateful for my 2 wonderful young men. I am so thankful for our founder who was a Christian believer and created the culture to treat others with dignity and respect. He showed us everything is possible by leading by example. His legacy and work ethic continue to inspire me. I thank God for the blessing of being able to work at Publix. I am from Costa Rica, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help my mom and sisters in Costa Rica.”
Cashier Laura Mason, #1652, Raleigh, North Carolina
“In this crazy time, including Toilet Paper 2020, the behavior exhibited toward us by so many customers made me appreciate and be grateful for the many things Publix has given us, as well as the support from my management team and co-workers. Our store opened in September 2020, and it was such a pleasure to meet with CEO Todd Jones for a second time when he visited on Oct. 15, 2020. The fact that he, along with many members of top management, have risen through the ranks to lead our great company inspires me to think there are great possibilities here for me as well. My meeting with Todd meant so much since he took a few minutes to talk with me, as I recall he had asked me how I was doing from the last time we met.”
Deli Retail Improvement Specialist Melissa LaRock, Miami Division
“In these times, I’m thankful for all I have in my personal life and what Publix has provided for my family. I’m equally thankful for my management teams and their associates who are dedicated to Publix and our mission, including those who show up every day and give 110% no matter their personal struggles. Those who truly bleed green are here to serve our customers in what has proved to be the hardest time they have experienced in their careers thus far.”
Store Manager Chuck Trout, #1477, Ocala, Florida
“I am thankful for my family, both my home family and extended Publix family. Both have brought much joy in my life. I am thankful Mr. George started our company in those hard times. I have spent a little over 43 years working together with our associates to help make shopping a pleasure and a place where working is a pleasure. As I approach retirement, it’s difficult to sum up 43+ years in 100 words or less, so I’ll simply say, ‘Thank you to all of our great Publix people.’”
Director of Retail Pharmacy Operations Kathy Leonard, Lakeland, Florida
“I am thankful for so much. I’ll start with my gratitude for Publix people. You know who I’m talking about — every Publix associate who understands what it means to ‘own it.’ I find new inspiration in Publix people every single day. They raise the bar when it was already out of reach for most. They lean in when times are tough. They invest in themselves. They seek new opportunity and prepare for it. They show a level of compassion that renews one’s faith in society. They go all in, time and time again. I am beyond grateful and blessed for the opportunity I have to learn from the very best: Publix people.”
Corporate Marketing Communications Coordinator Kayla (Swearingen) Jonczyk, Lakeland, Florida
“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to continue my career with Publix! I had an amazing summer as an intern. When I saw a role come available in my department, I was excited for the potential to stay with the same team I’d spent the summer with. After interviewing, I was so anxious to hear back. When my manager made me an offer, I was over the moon to have been chosen to fill this role. I worked my way through college in retail and can’t wait to use my degree to continue to make Publix a great place to work!”
Retail Coordinator for Omnichannel Maria DiGrazia, Lakeland, Florida
“I am thankful for my son! After years of being told I would never be able to have children, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a mother. I am even more blessed that I was allowed to support a different area of Publix. Being a retail coordinator for omnichannel is something I am passionate about and something I enjoy so much because I have a wonderful team. It gives me the ability to support innovation and change while growing as both an individual and a leader. My son has already learned the importance of technology and how it exists in our day-to-day activities. He inspires me to be a better leader, a better mom and a better person. I am thankful for my family providing me the opportunity to make my own choices and decisions. I am thankful to share those experiences with my son and pray he will treat others like Publix treats people, or just live with Mr. George’s philosophy that the world can ‘be a little bit better, or not quite as good, because of you.”
Production Cabinet Maker Jamie Herkel, Lakeland, Florida
“I am thankful for my family and the happiness they bring to my life.”
Customer Service Team Leader Thomas O’Shea, #1499, Eustis, Florida
“I’m thankful for my family and all the guidance and support they give me. I’m grateful for my managers, Tammy and Sig, for helping me and training me to be the best I can be. I’m grateful for my store managers and the feedback they give me. I’m grateful for my team and all the help they provide not only to me, but our customers as well! I’m extremely grateful for Publix and the opportunities here. I’m always reminded how blessed I am with the support my entire store gives me!”
Cashier Jessica Danielsen, #502, Fleming Island, Florida
“Two things I’m specifically thankful for are crafting and getting together with like-minded friends. I enjoy the camaraderie with the other crafters and their friendship. I find crochet relaxing and a great way to unwind after a busy day. I typically make afghans among other things.”
Watch Publix associates share their stories of gratitude.
