By Hannah - July 1, 2015

Greg Bates — Business Development Director of Dairy and Frozen Foods

Greg joined Publix in 1982 as a part-time associate in the housewares warehouse. He was promoted to full time in 1983 and worked his way up through the frozen foods, produce and grocery warehouses before being promoted to private label purchasing analyst in 1990. Greg held several positions in corporate purchasing, including buyer and category manager, before his promotion to his current position in 2014.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A professional soccer player

What brought you to Publix?
I needed a part-time job to pay for college.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a leader, coaching and mentoring my team is very rewarding. I get to help associates grow and become more successful, which in turn makes Publix more successful.

What has changed most about Publix since you started?
Our size; we’ve grown a lot! We were only in Florida and had less than 300 stores when I began working here. Now, we’re in six states with more than 1,100 stores.

What hasn’t changed about Publix since you started?
The Publix culture has remained the same, which is a great thing.

What’s your work or life philosophy?
Be committed to my family, my faith and Publix. Always strive to do my best and do what’s right.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Eating ice cream


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What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix GreenWise Organic Chocolate Ice Cream

Where were you born?
Lakeland, Florida

What’s your proudest moment?
I am most proud of my family. My wife and I have two daughters and one son. We have two grandchildren, whom we love to spend time with!

What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
I enjoy the people I work with and being a part of the Publix family.

What’s your favorite book?
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
It was an honor to be promoted to my current position and have the opportunity to be a leader at this great company.

What’s your favorite music?
Contemporary Christian

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to play golf and ride my bike.

What is your favorite movie?
Remember the Titans is a great one.