Mikhael began his Publix career in 2013, working as a construction manager for the Orlando distribution center. Since then, he has worked in Orlando central fill, retail construction and as director of construction. He was promoted to his current role in 2021.

Where were you born?
Gainesville, Florida

What do you like to do in your free time?
Photography, playing modern Euro-style board games and traveling

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Veggie Publix sub with everything but onions and jalapenos

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Travel to New Zealand

What is the best career advice you received?
Before Publix, I was in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. My commander emphasized the importance in finding time to sit back and strategize your direction and to focus on the right things.

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
Be dedicated, look for how you can contribute to making things better. Don’t settle for the status quo. Question how you can improve things.

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What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Gators

What are you reading right now?
A riveting 1704-page book called “Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology”

Favorite place to vacation?
Any place a cruise ship will take me!

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
Being action-oriented. I look for opportunities and challenges that need to be overcome and attack them head-on.

What is your favorite Publix project/experience/memory?
Being a construction manager for #1493

What are you binge-watching right now?
The Kominsky Method

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
Dedication of the associates. No matter what you need, everyone goes above and beyond to take care of it.

Favorite place you’ve ever lived?
Naples, Italy and San Diego, California

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I used to play keyboard in both a rock and a blues band.

What’s your work philosophy?
Take care of your people as a leader. I work hard to make sure I support and provide the tools they need to make their job easier and more efficient.

What do you want to learn next?
I want to continue to learn about refrigeration systems and how to make them more redundant and reliable for stores.

What’s your favorite TV show?
“Freaks and Geeks”