Bill began his Publix career 36 years ago as a warehouse associate in Jacksonville, Florida. He made his way up through a variety of positions including supervisor, systems manager, distribution manager for Orlando and warehouse operations manager for Lakeland. He was promoted to his current role in January 2022.
What’s your favorite part about working in distribution?
The teamwork, camaraderie and pride. In distribution, we rally around supporting our stores. It’s an enjoyable place to work.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
When I was a teen, I wanted to be a high school teacher and coach. My dad was a Battalion Chief for the Jacksonville Fire Department so when I was a young adult, I considered following in his footsteps and even attended firefighter school.
What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I played saxophone in high school and was in a national champion symphonic band. And I learned about the grocery business from working in my grandparents’ small community grocery store, Pelham’s Grocery.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I want to go to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
What’s your work philosophy?
Live a life of service.
Where were you born?
Jacksonville, Florida
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Deli Chicken Tender Sub
What’s your favorite movie?
“It’s Good to Be Alive.” It was an inspiring TV movie from the 1970s about how baseball player Roy Campanella of the Brooklyn Dodgers overcame devastating professional challenges. It was inspiring to me as a young man.
What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
The family atmosphere and the Publix spirit. Those two things combined, there’s nothing like it.
What’re you listening to right now?
Gospel and classic country
What’s your favorite sports team?
Jacksonville Jaguars
What do you like to do in your free time?
Golf
What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
There’s a lot of opportunity here. Identify where you want to be, communicate your career goals and chase your dream, because it’s possible at Publix.
What are you reading right now?
“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Favorite place to vacation?
Mountains or a golf resort
What is your favorite Publix experience?
Winning the George W. Jenkins Award in 2020. I was notified by a personal phone call from Howard Jenkins, Mr. George’s son. Then our CEO Todd Jones called to congratulate me, and many of our leaders reached out after that. Publix truly makes it a very special experience.
Read about this prestigious recognition and Bill’s winning accomplishments.
What emoji best describes you?
The golfer
What are you binge-watching right now?
“The Chosen.” It’s a multiseason series based on the stories of the gospels of Jesus.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Publix Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever lived?
Orlando, Florida
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled?
Sweden
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I like them all except anchovies.
What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
Team building, servant leadership and perseverance
What do you want to learn next?
Improving my golf game and lowering my handicap
What is your go-to song to pump you up?
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be?
Phil Mickelson. He’s a world-class golfer and has a great time doing it.
If you could meet anyone in the past or present, who would it be?
Joe Blanton, a previous Publix president. I never met him but have always heard how he connected so well with people and remembered everyone’s name.
Favorite board game?
Monopoly
