John began his Publix career in 1995 as a front service clerk at #36, Lakeland, Florida. Eager to get started, he borrowed his mom’s car and applied the same day he earned his driver’s license at 16. He worked at the store through high school before taking a short leave to attend college. John returned to Publix in 2003 and began working in stockholder services, holding several support positions before being promoted to his current role in 2024.

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?

I think Publix is a great place to work because of how engaged we are in the community. Publix has a great reputation, and the moment people hear Publix, they usually have a great story. I have been here for over 20 years, and not many people can say they love a company so much that they have stayed for that long.

Name one thing you are grateful for.

I’m grateful for the support network I have. I have a great relationship with my parents, sister, niece and nephew. They give me a good base to operate from, and anything I have been through, they have been there for me.

What’s your favorite Publix product?

Our Limited Edition Chocolate Cookie Quarry ice cream!

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a vet. I love dogs and other animals.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I really love about Publix Charities is the direct effect we have on folks’ lives. When we make a donation, the recipients tell us what they plan to do with it, and we get to see the results in real time. It is rewarding, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Name something you wish associates knew about Publix Charities.

I wish people knew we support middle and high school athletic teams and clubs at schools in communities Publix serves. Schools apply, and we can support them based on enrollment.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Diligent, stoic and altruistic.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

I want to go to Japan. There is so much you can do and see there.

Describe your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was the opening of #1846, Louisville, Kentucky. I was working in strategy support and led the expansion project. Our team studied competitors in secret and conducted training the months leading up to opening. I was there for opening day, and it was a crazy experience. The store ran out of chicken tenders around 2 p.m. People were so excited and drove from all around to shop at Publix.

What’s your favorite movie?

“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy

What’s your favorite sports team?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Do you have any pets?

I have a Havanese dog named Link, who is 7 years old.

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?

Network and learn from others. There are so many opportunities at Publix, and learning about different departments and what they do creates opportunities. I never imagined I would have done some of the things I did, and they all led to one another because of the people I met.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

No is sometimes OK, and it can lead to other opportunities. I have been turned down for a position before, and I was told it just wasn’t the right fit at the time. Later, I got a job I really enjoyed that I never even would have considered if I had gotten the 1st job.

What would you eat if you could only eat 1 food for the rest of your life?

Pizza. My favorite type is any kind of meat pizza.

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?

I’m a big nerd. I like anime; my favorite one is “Attack on Titan.” I also went to MegaCon this past year. I had what they called a 2nd breakfast, where the “Lord of the Rings” cast served us breakfast!

What’s your personal or professional motto?

For both, I usually say, “We can handle it.” Whatever comes, I know we can handle it and get through it.

What motivates you to work hard?

It is rewarding to see the outputs of what I do. Even personally, when I read, I know my knowledge is expanding. Seeing growth in any area encourages me to put all my effort into it.

If you could spend the day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?

I know there is a job in the dairy plant as an ice cream taster. I want to spend the day in that associate’s shoes. I mean, who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream all day?

If you could meet anyone in the past or present, who would it be? Why?

I would have liked to meet Anthony Bourdain. He was fascinating, well-traveled and tasted many amazing dishes. I would have loved to sit down with him, have a beer and ask him about stories from his travels and about his favorite meals.

If you could shadow anyone at Publix, who would it be? Why?

I want to shadow President John Goff. He came up through retail, and when he moved to support, he had to learn the ins and outs of many new areas. I would love to learn from John and understand how he balances and manages everything so well.

What strengths have helped you the most professionally?

My ability to adapt. I have held various positions during my time at Publix, and each time I had to learn unfamiliar things and meet many new people. I always had to adapt and take opportunities. It has made me more well-rounded and better at what I do.

After a long week, how do you unwind?

I like taking my dog Link on road trips with me. We go to many pet-friendly places around Tampa.