By Taylor - October 1, 2022

A smile goes a long way

Highly effective team

Pharmacy Manager Jake Pugh, #765, Dunwoody, Georgia, shows the key to connecting with customers and communities can be the simplest act.

From a young age, Jake knew he wanted to be in health care because of the difference he could make in people’s lives. And since he had grown up around Publix, he decided to make our company his career.

“I’ve only ever worked at Publix, but I still know there’s a reason people come back to us time and time again, instead of to our competitors,” said Jake. “Our pharmacy layout is much more open. As a result, customers feel like they can have access and are able to connect with us more.”

Jake knows that with the more open atmosphere, there is more to his job than working on the computer or standing behind the counter all day.

“There are plenty of times when I’ll hop behind the register and help ring people up so I can say ‘Hi,’ and make myself available if our customers have questions,” said Jake. “That extra piece of personal connection and remembering small things about returning customers is what continues to separate us from our competitors.”

And making special connections with customers has made Jake stand out in his role as pharmacy manager. Just ask Lauren, his customer and No. 1 fan!

“I met Lauren a while back when I first started working at #765,” said Jake. “Although she has special needs, I show her the same interest and care I would show any of our amazing customers. Seeing her is the highlight of my day!”

From the first conversation, a beautiful connection bloomed.

“She always comes to the counter to say ‘Hi,’ and she brings me a little note,” said Jake. “It goes to show that our job goes much deeper than just filling prescriptions. A little bit of kindness goes such a long way.”

Learn more about 4 of our amazing pharmacists!