Mark began his career in 1999 as an ad layout artist, now known as an ad production designer, in creative services. He worked as a package/label specialist, graphic designer, senior graphic designer, creative manager and creative director before becoming a group creative director in 2017. He was promoted to his current role in 2021.
Where were you born?
Tampa, Florida
What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
The people. That’s why I’m still here.
What’s your favorite Publix product?
It’s a combination of 2. I mix a gallon of our Publix Deli Unsweetened Iced Tea with a gallon of our Publix Deli Sweet Iced Tea to make a half-and-half tea.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
Don’t ever say, “That’s not my job.” My previous director told me that. I think that made me successful because it caused me to take more ownership.
What is your proudest moment?
Personally, it would be becoming a father to my girls, Andie and Bridget. Professionally, it would be the creation of our brand book (nicknamed “Uno”). We worked several years not only on the brand book itself, but on the creative strategy behind it and why we needed it.
What’s your go-to song to pump you up?
It really depends on my mood, but I like any 2000s punk or punk/ska. My wife and I are attending the When We Were Young festival later this year.
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
The most polarizing ones: ham and pineapple
What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
Be patient. When I was younger and starting out, I wanted things to happen quickly. There comes a point when you are rewarded for playing the long game. Don’t mistake patience for thinking nothing is happening. I think our patience is what makes Publix successful as a company. It’s served us well to trust the process.
What’s something about you people may be surprised to learn?
I have an identical twin brother, Michael.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
An astronaut
What do you like to do in your free time?
Anything outdoors. I love traveling, camping, hiking, dirt bikes and race cars. If I’m not at work, I like doing anything I can to get my hands dirty or be outside.
What’s your most unusual talent?
I know how to weld. Both my dad and grandfather welded.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
To visit every continent. I’ve only been here and to Europe.
What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
Patience, having a positive attitude and working hard. Some advice Mark Irby, our former vice president of marketing, used to say was, “Be in the room.” That’s definitely helped me.
What’s the last book you read?
“All the Light We Cannot See,” by Anthony Doerr
What’s your go-to Pub sub order?
I get a Boar’s Head Ultimate Sub on our multigrain bread a lot. But lately, I’ve also been doing the Boar’s Head Havana Bold on a spinach wrap.
