This month, Publix News caught up with Assistant Store Manager Natalie Baltra, #1219, Lutz, Florida, who is celebrating her 20-year service award.
Publix News (PN): What brought you to Publix more than 20 years ago?
Natalie: At the time, I had two small children and needed a part-time job to supplement our family income and provide medical benefits.
PN: What made you stay?
Natalie: Every position I held I loved. Growing up in New Jersey, working at Publix wasn’t on my radar; I was going to be a psychologist or an accountant. But, I just loved my job and the customers, so I stayed.
PN: What’s changed the most at Publix since you started here?
Natalie: I feel like we’re getting better as a company at work-life balance. When I started, it wasn’t unusual for a store manager to work 70 hours a week. Now, I think associates are encouraged not to miss out on their family time. I think it’s a great thing and makes us better associates.
PN: What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Natalie: Being promoted to assistant store manager. I was speechless! It was something I had wanted for a long time and worked hard to achieve. It wasn’t always easy being a single mother and working my way up in retail, but I did it, and it was such a proud moment.
PN: What advice do you have for associates just starting?
Natalie: Give it all you’ve got! Learn as much as you can, and learn to love people, because the people — your customers, co-workers and leaders — will help you along your journey.
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PN: What hasn’t changed at Publix since you started here?
Natalie: Our culture — how we treat our customers and each other. We’ll do whatever it takes to earn our customers’ business. It makes me very proud to work here.
PN: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Natalie: I love everything about my job. I love the interaction with my customers and associates and getting to experience all the different personalities! It’s fun; I love what I do.
PN: What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Natalie: Taking a chance on someone, watching them grow and knowing I played a small part in that.
PN: What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Natalie: You want to keep your associates happy, but you also have to be an effective leader. Sometimes it’s hard to balance the two.
PN: What does it mean to receive your 20-year service award?
Natalie: It was an incredible feeling. I never dreamed I would work at a company for this long. But here I am, 21 years later, feeling so fortunate to have been a part of the Publix family all these years.
