John began his Publix career in 1993 as a bakery clerk in Orlando, Florida. Since then, he’s held a variety of roles, including bakery manager, technical specialist, buyer, bakery retail coordinator for the Lakeland Division and category manager for bakery. In 2019, John was promoted to his current position providing leadership and strategic oversight to all bakery operations.

Where were you born?
I was born in a town called Kankakee, just 45 minutes outside of Chicago. I moved to Florida in 1985.

What’s your personal or professional motto?
My personal motto is “one person can make a difference.”

What’s something about you people may be surprised to learn? 
I have run three marathons and more than 30 half-marathons.

What did you want to be when you were younger? 
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a detective.

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
Communication, relationship-building and the willingness to take on the next challenge

What’s your favorite sports team? 
My favorite professional sports team would have to be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and collegiate is Florida State University — Go Noles!

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What’s your favorite Publix product?
My favorite Publix product is a bakery item, of course. There are so many, but I would say the Chocolate Ganache Supreme Decadent Dessert cake.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Scotland, and while I’m there, run a marathon and play golf at St. Andrews.

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
Our associates demonstrating the Publix culture is what makes Publix such a great place to work.

What are you listening to right now?
The Cure

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?
Publix has so many opportunities available, so whatever you do –– be the best person mastering your current role.

 What’s your favorite movie?
“Caddyshack”

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to run and play golf.

What’s your work philosophy?
It’s simple; prepare, work hard, learn from your mistakes and surround yourself with a great team.

What is your favorite book?
Dick Vitale’s “Mount Rushmore of College Basketball”

What is your favorite place to vacation?
Banner Elk, North Carolina, in October

What is your favorite Publix memory?
Being promoted to bakery technical specialist by the late Henry Pileggi. Henry was such a great man and mentor to me.

What emoji best describes you?
🏃‍♂️(running man)

What’s your favorite ice cream?
Publix Premium Chocolate Moose Tracks

If you could spend the day in someone else’s shoes whose would they be?
I would have to say Grady Judd, sheriff of Polk County, Florida.

What is the best career advice you received?
Some of the best career advice I have received is to never forget where you came from, work hard, recognize successes, and take the time to mentor and develop new associates.