Guy began his Publix career in 1996 as a purchasing analyst. In 1999, he was promoted to buyer for meat and then to category manager for meat in 2003. Guy transitioned to seafood category manager in 2007. He was promoted to his current position in 2019.
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be?
My father! I want to better understand his zest for life. He never met a stranger and always had fun.
What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
My co-workers and everyone who took the time to mentor me along the way. I hope in my time at Publix I have been able to do the same for the associates I’ve had the privilege to work with.
What’s your work philosophy?
I have 2:
- Give me a minute; I need to overthink this!
- We work 10 to 12 hours a day in a fast-paced and stressful environment; you can get the job done and have fun at the same time. We don’t need to be serious every minute of every day.
What is your go-to song to pump you up?
I am a huge Prince fan, so anything by Prince that is not a ballad will usually get the job done.
What’s your personal or professional motto?
Play like a champion today! I’m a big Notre Dame fan.
Where were you born?
Follansbee, West Virginia. A boat with a few thousand Italian immigrants came to New York, and they ended up in Follansbee. Several of the immigrants were from a region in Italy known as Abruzzo. Ironically, we had family in the fishing industry.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Recently my wife and I became empty nesters, so we are trying to figure out what to do when we are not running around to our kids’ events. I have recently started bowling again after a 20-plus year hiatus.
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I’m pretty vanilla — pepperoni and mushrooms.
What’s your favorite movie?
“Stripes” or “Caddyshack”
What’s your favorite place to vacation?
My wife’s favorite place is Palm Island, which is near Englewood, Florida. Since it is the only place we go, it is also my favorite.
What are you binge-watching right now?
“House”
What do you want to learn next?
How to bowl again! I used to be pretty good. And I also want to learn how to read an entire email.
What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever had?
I am not a Halloween person and could not tell you my last costume as a kid. The last time I “dressed up” for a party, I went as a Publix category manager.
