Mark began his Publix career in 1986 as a pest control operator at the grocery warehouse in Lakeland, Florida. In 1990, he started working in the information systems/technology services warehouse before becoming an engineer in 1996 and a project manager in 2001. Mark was promoted to manager in 2006, senior manager in 2008 and director in 2014. He was promoted to his current position in 2023.

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
The ownership culture; it’s a different mindset. When you own something, you put more care into it.

What’s your work philosophy?
Try to make everyone around you better.

What’s your proudest moment with Publix?
I physically plugged in the cord that first connected us to the internet in 1997; it really changed the game.

What are you reading right now?
“The First World War,” by John Keegan. I’m a bit of a history buff.

Where is the farthest you’ve traveled?
My wife and I recently went to Italy to visit our daughter, who is studying abroad.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, who would it be and why?
My great-grandmother. She was born in the 1890s and died in the 1990s. It would be interesting to see what the world was like when she was young.

What’s your favorite movie?
“Fight Club”

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I speak Spanish fluently and some Italian.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
An astronaut. I was really into space when I was a kid.

What are you binge-watching right now?
“Florida Man”

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
My ability to communicate, listen and build relationships. The most valuable thing you can do is to network.

What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever had?
When I was in my 20s, I dressed up as former Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain.

What is your go-to song to pump you up?
“Rearviewmirror” by Pearl Jam

Favorite board game as a kid?
Risk