This month, Publix News talked with Meat Cutter Chuck Cummings, #287, Sebastian, Fla., who is receiving his 45-year service award this year.
Publix News (PN): What brought you to Publix 45 years ago?
Chuck: My mother, Mary, started working at Publix when my family moved to Florida from Ohio in 1967. The following year, she got me a job in the meat department as a trainee. Apart from a military leave of absence, I’ve been in the meat department ever since, and at this store for more than 25 years.
PN: Did you ever have ambitions of being promoted into management?
Chuck: Everyone is always wanting to move ahead, but I never had the desire. I wanted to raise my kids and spend as much time with them as I could. Supporting my family was the whole purpose of working once I got married, and I made that my priority. I always enjoyed my time with my family and have great memories and wouldn’t give that up.
PN: What hasn’t changed about Publix in 45 years?
Chuck: Our reputation hasn’t changed. We’re still focused on service and quality products, which makes us stand out above all the other chains.
PN: Did you ever expect Publix to grow so large?
Chuck: I knew Publix was a growing chain when I started, but I never knew we’d be in four or five states, much less six! I dream of us going to Ohio where I’m from … maybe one day.
PN: How does it feel to be receiving your 45-year service award?
Chuck: It feels good to make it this far, and I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in. When it came time to choose my service award, I knew I wanted to give it to my wife as a special thank you for supporting me all these years. She deserves it.
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PN: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Charles: I enjoy putting a quality product out, and I enjoy when people tell me this is the best place to buy meat. When I visit my family up north, I hear about Publix and our great reputation, and that makes me proud.
PN: Is there someone who made a lasting impression on you or impacted your decision to stay with Publix?
Charles: Yes. In high school, I was in a program that required us to have a part-time job, and I was working at Publix. We had an end-of-the year banquet and my manager drove 60 miles one way to be at that dinner with me and my family. It showed me how much he cared and really made me feel like part of a bigger family — the Publix family. He, like a lot of my managers, was always very encouraging and supportive, and that stuck with me.
PN: What advice do you have for newer associates?
Charles: Work hard for Publix and do the best you can. Keep persevering, and you can be whatever you want at Publix.
PN: What do you want your legacy to be?
Charles: Nothing too extreme; I’d just like to be remembered as a hard worker and someone who loves Publix.
