Paul began his Publix career as a front service clerk in 1976. After a break in service and obtaining a pharmacy degree and experience, Paul came back to Publix as a full-time pharmacist in 1986 at the first retail pharmacy in #301, Altamonte Springs, Florida. He has held various management positions in the pharmacy retail business unit and was promoted to his current position in 2013, where he oversees central fill, central processing and the patient care center.
Where were you born?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada — I came to Florida when I was 8 years old and became an American citizen in high school.
What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was young, I probably wanted to be the same things all little boys did — a soldier or police officer. As I was graduating high school, though, I was telling everyone I wanted to be an agricultural missionary, so I could help manage crops and develop churches in other countries.
What brought you to Publix?
I worked at Publix in high school as a front service clerk. I learned a lot, made a lot of friends and had a good time making money to help pay for college. I liked interacting with customers and developing my ability to engage in conversations with complete strangers.
How has Publix influenced you?
The knowledge and skills I learned in management and project development positions here helped me be successful in other areas — like with my family, friends, church and civic organizations.
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What’s your favorite Publix memory?
When I was a store pharmacist, an older customer came in and gave me credit for “saving her life.” After telling me about a severe incident she was experiencing, I asked her husband to take her straight to an emergency room. I heard from her recently — about 25 years later — and she repeated the story and her gratitude.
What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
The knowledge that everyone working with me is also an owner and is working hard to improve the company we all own. Customers see that ownership and commitment as great service and quality products. Our very favorable reputation is a result of this.
What’s your work or life philosophy?
Do all you can every day, add value to every interaction, continually try to make yourself better and give God the glory.
What’s your proudest moment?
Becoming a father — I have a great wife, two sons and a daughter who all make me proud.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy being able to envision and help design and develop new services and procedures to assist our local pharmacies and patients get their prescriptions filled quickly and paid for by their insurance correctly.
What has changed most about Publix since you started here?
The size of the company — I think most associates never grasp just how big we are now and how fast we’re growing. I love it. It has taken a lot of work by many fine people over the last 87 years to get where we are. Yet, our leadership is committed to the same values we’ve always had.
What’s your favorite book?
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara — it’s about the three-day battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of the generals on both sides. All Americans should read it.
How do you spend your spare time?
Working out, reading and having fun — usually on or near the water — with family and friends
What is your favorite Publix product?
Although I’m trying to eat a healthy diet and focus on fresh meat, seafood, vegetables and berries, I do like our Key lime pies. Sushi is also a favorite.
What is your favorite movie?
Patton with George C. Scott — it’s way more than just a good war story.
What music are you listening to right now?
Jimmy Buffet
What is your favorite TV show?
Seinfeld — I can recite almost all of them from memory.
What are your favorite sports teams?
Florida Gators, and since I’m an alumnus of the University of Central Florida, I also root for them.
What are your hobbies?
Sailing and any other water sports — my wife and I plan to sail a lot someday.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Fine rum
