We’re proud to celebrate our 28th consecutive year on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work for list. We’re on this list in part because Mr. George’s philosophies have guided us for nearly 95 years. Let’s take a closer look at our founder’s lessons to learn how his legacy lives on today and continues to make Publix a great place to work.

Invest in others

Mr. George was committed to investing in his associates by building connections and relationships. He knew that if he took care of his associates and invested in them, they would take care of Publix’s customers, and the rest would take care of itself. Today, we continue to invest in our associates through professional development and company ownership.

Give back

Mr. George believed that for any organization to be truly successful, it must give back. He set the example for Publix associates by giving his time, talent and treasures to his communities. Once asked what he thought he would be worth if he hadn’t given away so much, Mr. George answered without hesitation, “Probably nothing.”

We carry on Mr. George’s legacy through our commitment to environmental efforts and hunger relief efforts.

Prepare for opportunity

Mr. George encouraged others to prepare because opportunities were up for grabs. He cultivated an environment for Publix associates to be successful. He once said, “Success is doing what you like to do — and doing it well.”

Today, we continue this lesson through our promote-from-within culture, mentoring and training opportunities.

Be there

Since the opening of the 1st Publix Food Store, Mr. George was involved in the day-to-day operations of his company. As Publix grew, he led by example — routinely visiting stores and support facilities. In addition, Mr. George had an open-door policy. We continue to have an open-door policy where associates are encouraged to ask their managers questions or offer suggestions. Our leaders today are just as committed to being there and connecting with our associates. Be There Day is an annual event for leaders to visit our locations. While there, they learn more about our associates and their role in making Publix a great place to work.

Respect the dignity of the individual

Before he founded Publix, Mr. George worked for a company where he felt like his ideas didn’t matter. He vowed to treat his employees and customers better than his previous employer had treated him. He set the example for open communication by vowing that his door was always open to his associates — for any reason, big or small. He once said, “If you want people to respect you or your company, you must show respect for them.”

Today, we carry on his commitment to respecting our associates through our open-door policy and Associate Voice Survey.

Treat customers like royalty

When Mr. George opened the 1st Publix Food Store, his goal was to run a better store than the competition. He knew the key to connecting with customers and building lasting relationships was providing premier customer service and treating them like royalty. He continually looked for ways to make shopping trips a pleasure — through innovations like air conditioning, electric-eye doors, fluorescent lighting and piped-in music.

We remain committed to treating our customers like royalty with our premier customer service.

The legacy lives on

Thank you for carrying on Mr. George’s legacy and continuing to make Publix a great place to work!