This month, Publix News met up with Pharmacy Technician Kim Gregory, #760, Cocoa, Florida, who is celebrating her 30-year service award.

Publix News (PN): What brought you to Publix more than 30 years ago?
Kim: I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I started with Publix as a part-time cashier in 1975. After a short break, I returned to Publix. I worked here while attending college and never left.

PN: What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Kim: Getting to know my patients, their families and even their pets. I enjoy listening to patients’ stories about their progress, worries, concerns and happy moments.

PN: What advice do you have for associates just starting?
Kim: Enroll in our 401(k) and sign up for long-term disability coverage once you’re eligible.

PN: What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Kim: It’s a toss up between coordinating Brevard County’s Apples for Students program — it gave local schools the opportunity to receive computers or printers in exchange for Publix receipts collected from students — and being part of our first store opening outside of Florida in Savannah, Georgia.

PN: What does it mean to receive your 30-year service award?
Kim: It’s exciting. I like to look back at where we’ve been, but I love to look to the future and see where we’re going.

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PN: What’s changed the most at Publix since you started here?
Kim: The innovations in computers to registers. It’s phenomenal to see how much has changed.

PN: What hasn’t changed at Publix since you started here?  
Kim: The opportunity to be a company owner

PN: What has made you stay?  
Kim: The wonderful relationships I’ve made with my managers, fellow associates and customers

PN: What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Kim: Reading doctors’ handwriting. You’d be surprised how many handwritten prescriptions we receive.

PN: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Kim: I enjoy talking to my patients and learning about their lives.