Tom joined the Publix family in 1985 as a front service clerk at #174, Lauderhill, Florida. He was promoted to store manager at #722, Norcross, Georgia, in 2004, before becoming a district manager in 2014. He was promoted to his current position in 2019.
Where were you born?
Edison, New Jersey
What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
We have a culture of caring, high standards, ownership and opportunity. We’re a company that cares about doing the right thing.
What is the best career advice you have received?
To believe in myself and to take chances
What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I’m a 2-time cancer survivor. My 1st was pancreatic cancer in 2016; thankfully, it was caught early. I’m grateful to be cancer-free today.
What’s your favorite Publix product?
GreenWise Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Something we did in June — cruising to Alaska.
What are you listening to right now?
Eric Church makes up most of my Apple Music library. Music helps me unwind.
What’s your motto?
Work hard, play hard. You have to put the right energy into each one, no matter what it is.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A veterinarian. I love animals; we always had pets growing up.
What’s your proudest moment?
Almost all of them revolve around my kids. Most recently, it was walking my daughter down the aisle and seeing my son take his 1st step into leadership at Publix. He was recently promoted to customer service team lead and selected as a contender. I’m proud to watch both of them succeed in whatever they do.
What’s your work philosophy?
Treat people right, work hard and do the right thing.
What are your favorite sports teams?
Florida Gators and New York Yankees
What do you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I love to put the top down on our Jeep and take our dogs for a ride in the country or on a trail ride.
What’s your favorite place to vacation?
We rent a beach house with friends and family on the Gulf Coast of Florida every year.
What is your favorite Publix memory?
Meeting my wife in 1989. She was a front service clerk, and I was a stock clerk running the front end.
What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever had?
One year, I was Slash and my wife was Axl Rose from the rock band Guns N’ Roses.
If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be? Why?
Former Publix President Joe Blanton. I would love to spend some time with Mr. George behind the scenes. Joe probably got the best side of Mr. George that anybody could see — outside of the public view.
