Born and raised in Miami, Rick began his 36-year career at Publix in 1981 as a front service clerk at #22 (in Plantation, Florida; now #22 is assigned to Sarasota, Florida). He worked his way up to store manager in 1998. In 2011, he was promoted to district manager, and in 2015 he assumed his current role, where he oversees the stores’ presentation of product and manages merchandise displays.

Get to know Rick while learning about his experience during Hurricane Irma and its impact on the Miami Division.

How did Hurricane Irma compare to other storms in your division?
Hurricane Irma was a very powerful storm, and it heavily affected the Miami Division. The damage was similar to that of Andrew in 1992.

Can you share a storm-related associate story?
A front service clerk from one of our South Florida stores evacuated to Georgia. After he settled in to his hotel, he visited the nearest Publix, introduced himself to the store manager and offered to work. It’s a great example of how Publix people step up to help each other — even at a store three divisions away.

Is there a customer story that stands out from this experience?
We had several associates travel with a convoy of Publix trucks on Sept. 14 to help give out water and ice to residents in the Keys. A group of residents took as much as they could fit in their cars and delivered the supplies to those who could not get to the store. It was a testament to how people come together in the face of disaster. It also shows how our customers are a reflection of the service we provide to the communities we serve. It makes you feel great to be a part of the Publix family.

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Where were you born?
North Miami Beach, Florida

What did you want to be when you were little?
A law enforcement officer

What do you enjoy most about your job?
My interaction with retail associates and working alongside the retail business units

What are your favorite movies?
The Bourne series

What music are you listening to right now?
Jason Aldean

What’s your work or life philosophy?
Treat people the right way, do the right thing and good things will happen.

What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Opening my first store #669, Miami, as store manager. Retired Division Vice President Bill Fauerbach told me the key to the store’s success was leading by example.

What brought you to Publix?
My mom worked for Publix as a head cashier. She loved it and encouraged me to apply.

What do you enjoy most about working at Publix?
How everyone is like family. I also enjoy watching associates grow their careers in the company.

What has changed about Publix since you started?
The technology advancements we have implemented. We are a more automated company today.

What are your favorite books?
I usually read motivational books like Turning the Thing Around by Jimmy Johnson.

What’s your favorite sports team?
The Miami Hurricanes

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Ice cream

What are you hobbies?
Love to travel, go camping, fishing, skiing and anything outdoors that lets me spend time with my family.

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Publix Premium Cookies & Cream ice cream

What’s your proudest moment?
When my kids were born and when my son graduated from the University of Central Florida