David began his Publix career in 1978 as a part-time front service clerk at #29, Sarasota, Fla. After leaving for a while, he returned to Publix as a full-time grocery clerk in 1990. After working through various positions, he was promoted to store manager in 1998 and to district manager in 2005. He has been in his current position since June 2013.

Where were you born?
Sarasota, Fla.

What did you want to be when you were little?
Marine patrol

What brought you to Publix?
My two sisters and brother worked for Publix, so I decided to follow in their footsteps.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Working daily with a diverse group of people to achieve a common goal. It is always amazing to see what a team of Publix people can accomplish together.

How has Publix influenced you?
I’m much more confident in building relationships, and I see the value in it. Earlier in my life I was very much an introvert.

What’s your favorite TV show?
ESPN SportsCenter

What’s playing in your iPod right now?
Nickelback, Florida Georgia Line and The Eagles

How do you spend your spare time?
Fishing, hunting, golfing and spending time with family and friends

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
One of my favorite Publix memories is sitting next to Mr. George at my five-year service award luncheon and talking about cars. I’ll also never forget meeting Joe Blanton when I was 16, and two years later, he remembered exactly who I was. I thought that was pretty amazing.

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What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Gators

What’s your favorite book?
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

What’s your favorite movie?
Rudy

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Bakery Carrot Cake

What has changed most about Publix since you started here?
Two things — size and technology

What hasn’t changed about Publix since you started here?
Publix’s founding philosophy — taking care of associates and customers, and running a better grocery store than our competitors

What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
First and foremost, I enjoy the interaction with people.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Determining the right amount of information. It’s one of my responsibilities to provide stores with concise communication in a timely manner.

What’s your work or life philosophy?
If you care enough about the goal or result you’re trying to achieve, you’ll most certainly attain it.

What are your proudest moments?
Marrying my wife, the births of my children and being promoted to store manager