Steve began his Publix career in 1985 as a front service clerk at #41, Holly Hill, Florida, while attending Daytona State College. He held positions as an assistant store manager, store manager and district manager before being promoted to regional director in 2016. In his current role, Steve oversees the operations of 74 stores and more than 12,000 associates across Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Go to the beach, spend time with family and cook

What’s your work philosophy?
Give everyone an opportunity to do their best for a collaborative outcome. Everyone plays an important role and is individually significant to Publix.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?
I would like to take a cross-Atlantic European cruise for a month and see many destinations.

What’s your most unusual talent?
I have strong culinary abilities. I’m exceptionally passionate about food. It’s more than what I do; it’s who I am.

What toppings do you like on your pizza?
Pepperoni, bacon, artichoke hearts, red onion, garlic and basil. I like to make homemade pizza on a pizza stone on the grill. It’s a great way to spend a fall evening.

Where were you born?
Norwalk, Connecticut. I moved to Florida when I was young and grew up in the beach area of Volusia County.

What is your favorite Publix memory?

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. George when I was a grocery clerk. Everyone sat on milk crates and listened as he shared his wisdom. The significance of it didn’t hit me at the time, but the longer I’m at Publix, the more vivid that memory becomes.

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As a kid, which free cookie did you choose at the Publix Bakery?
Chocolate chip. Though when I went to the bakery with my grandmother, I looked forward to the warm rye bread more than a cookie.

What’s something about you that people may be surprised to learn?
I have three grandsons.

What’s your advice to someone just starting their Publix career?

Keep an open mind, seek understanding and find out what others love about their roles at Publix. You’ll gain insight to what opportunities are available.

What do you think makes Publix a great place to work?
Our culture and history are deeply entrenched in a philosophy that allows associates and leaders to be the very best they can be. Publix gives associates the chance to do their best every day.

What’s your favorite Publix product?
Oven-ready single meals in the meat department. My wife and I like the convenience.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
I was interested in finance, specifically the way money moves through the economy. I also was heavily interested in art and took 6 years of classes.

What’s your proudest moment?
Professionally, it was winning the George W. Jenkins award in 2009. Personally, it’s my children growing up and leading productive lives.

What’s your favorite movie?
“Pulp Fiction.” I’m a fan of Quentin Tarantino movies.

Who are you listening to right now?
Donald Fagen and Steely Dan

What’s your favorite sports team?
Jacksonville Jaguars

What is the best career advice you received?
Make sure you have your hands involved in everything but never so far that you can’t move on to the next thing.

Favorite place to vacation?
The beach

What emoji best describes you?
The praying hands

What are you binge-watching right now?
“Below Deck.” It features beautiful places and great food.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Publix Premium Chocolate Cherish Passion ice cream

What’s your personal or professional motto?
Don’t have expectations of what you’re given.

What skills do you think have advanced your Publix career the most?
The ability to relate to others, seek understanding and listen empathetically

What do you want to learn next?
I’m learning more today than I ever have, and I’m excited to meet the challenges of growing our company.