Jerry began his Publix career in 1992 as a front service clerk at #64, Bradenton, Florida. He held various positions, including grocery manager, assistant store manager and store manager. Jerry was a recipient of the 2011 George W. Jenkins Award. In 2013, he was promoted to district manager, then to regional director in the Miami Division in 2018. He began serving as regional director in the Lakeland Division in 2023.
What emoji best describes you?
Thumbs up. There are no bad days if you decide it’s going to be a good day.
What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
Treating our customers and associates with dignity and respect has been part of our culture from the beginning. Publix has proven that being a people-oriented company can produce extraordinary results.
What is your favorite Publix experience?
Working in the Miami Division in 2019. The southern region of the Miami Division is made up of many different cultures and store designs. Stores that are right down the road from each other can have very different customers and buying patterns.
What’s your personal or professional motto?
Don’t let other people or uncontrollable circumstances dictate your mood.
What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I enjoy woodworking because it challenges you mentally. It makes you a better planner and helps you focus on details.
Where were you born?
Lancaster, Ohio
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Professional baseball player
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Mint Moose Tracks Ice Cream
What’s on your bucket list?
Travel throughout Europe
What’s your proudest moment?
The birth of my children
What’s your favorite movie?
“The Matrix”
What are you listening to right now?
“What Got You Here Won’t Get You There”, by Marshall Goldsmith
What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
Ask yourself this question every single day: “How can I improve myself, my department or my team?” Success in what you do comes by making small improvements every day, not by simply getting better at putting out fires.
What is the best career advice you received?
From District Manager Tim Henning: Strategy is everything. Always think about how you can fix and solve the problem instead of always reacting.
Favorite place to vacation?
Nashville, Tennessee
What’s your favorite sports team?
Tampa Bay Lightning
If you’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be?
Tampa Bay Lightning Blue
Farthest you’ve traveled?
Jamaica, on my honeymoon
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
I keep it simple — pepperoni.
What veggies do you put on your Pub sub?
Pickles only
What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
I try to help people solve their problems and make their job easier.
What do you want to learn next?
Metalworking to make knives
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be?
Elon Musk, because he has so many different projects and businesses
What is your go-to song to pump you up?
Any song by Imagine Dragons
If you could meet anyone in the past or present, who would it be?
George Washington. I’m fascinated by American history, and he is one of its most iconic people.
What’s your work philosophy?
Once you become a leader at Publix, from grocery team leader to CEO, we all have the same goal: help the people we work with be successful.
