Jim began his Publix career in 1985 as a front service clerk in Jacksonville, Florida. He has held various roles, including assistant store manager, store manager and district manager. In his current role, Jim oversees 62 stores and over 10,000 associates in the western region.
What’s your personal or professional motto?
Stay focused on being humble. Don’t lose sight of where you came from and who has helped you become successful.
What’s something about you people may be surprised to learn?
I’m a huge Disney fan.
What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Bakery Carrot Bar Cake. I can remember being 8 years old when my mom would occasionally get one, and it was such a special treat.
What’s your proudest moment?
My personal salvation
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
My wife and I celebrated our 25th anniversary recently so we are looking forward to going to Hawaii to celebrate.
What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
Prepare yourself as much as you ask others to prepare themselves. Take an active role in your development and be open to learning from those around you.
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What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
The focus on serving people — associates as well as customers. As Mr. George said, “We’re in the people business; we just happen to sell groceries.”
What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers and onion. And no sauce.
What are you listening to right now?
The audiobook “Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference” by Max Lucado
Where were you born?
Newport, Rhode Island
What did you want to be when you were younger?
A pilot in the Air Force
What’s your favorite movie?
The “Bad Boys” trilogy
What’s your favorite sports team?
Florida Gators
What do you like to do in your free time?
My wife and I like to be outdoors enjoying all the natural wonders and different geography.
What’s your work philosophy?
We are all here to serve. We have to be constantly focused on serving each other and the customer, internally and externally. Both are equally as important to our success. We can never lose sight of that.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book for personal reading is “Twelve Ordinary Men,” by John MacArthur. Professionally, it’s “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” by Marshall Goldsmith.
What is your favorite place to vacation?
Colorado, but not in the winter
What is your favorite Publix memory?
Meeting Mr. George as a young man. My co-worker and I made the trip from Jacksonville to the old corporate office in Lakeland. The receptionist asked who we were and insisted that Mr. George would want to know we were there visiting although we didn’t want to bother him. He brought us into his office and told us about Publix, how important we were to the company, and how important what we were doing at our store was to Publix’s success. Looking back, it was such an important moment, one we don’t always appreciate as much when we’re young.
What emoji best describes you?
The one with the side smile
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Publix Premium Moose Tracks Ice Cream
What’s your favorite place you’ve ever lived?
Viera, Florida
What’s the farthest you’ve traveled?
Alaska
What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
Appreciation of what Publix has provided. I try to not ever fall victim to feeling like I take Publix for granted or that Publix takes me for granted. Also, understanding the need for change and enjoying the fact that we’re an evolving company.
What do you want to learn next?
Professionally, I want to continue to understand how communication changes with the digital age. Personally, I would love to take yoga classes.
If you could spend the day in someone else’s shoes whose would they be?
One of the disciples
What is the best career advice you received?
Stay with Publix.
