This month, Publix News met up with District Manager Steve Micheli, who is receiving his 10-year service award this year.
Publix News (PN): What brought you to Publix?
Steve: Before moving to Florida with my family, I researched Publix for more than a year. I had 15 years of experience at another supermarket, but it was important for me to work for a company with values similar to mine. I talked to a Publix store manager and district manager about the company. It was a big decision for my family and me, since I would have to start as an hourly associate. After a lot of research, it was clear Publix was the perfect company for me.
PN: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Steve: Perpetuating the Publix culture — passing on the legacy of Mr. George, making sure the newest associate knows who he was, what he believed in and how it shaped the company we work for today.
PN: How has Publix influenced you?
Steve: Publix has made me a better person. I’m more compassionate toward people at work and in my personal life, and I’ve learned the value of putting an emphasis on people.
PN: What’s your proudest moment?
Steve: Becoming a district manager. It was a goal I had been working toward.
PN: How do you feel about receiving your 10-year service award?
Steve: It feels great. I’ve been looking forward to this milestone for a while. Coming from a different retailer, I have a true appreciation for this recognition.
PN: What advice do you have for associates just starting?
Steve: Learn everything you can about Publix, embrace the Publix culture and be great at what you do.
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PN: What brought you to Florida?
Steve: After some time working for a supermarket in Massachusetts, I was tired of shoveling snow and wanted to live in a better climate, so I set my sights on Florida.
PN: What has changed the most at Publix since you started?
Steve: How we use technology
PN: Becoming a district manager in 10 years is quite an achievement. What has made you successful?
Steve: When I think back, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a mentor every step of the way — from when I was a frozen food clerk to now. I knew I had to work hard and be an expert at my job, but I truly believe having people around me who cared, coached and mentored me along the way has made the difference.
PN: What advice do you have for associates who want to advance their careers?
Steve: I would tell them to embrace the Publix culture — focus on the people around them and the people they serve. If they stay focused on people and do the right things, everything will fall into place. They also need to master the skills of each job they hold.
PN: What do you feel Publix has taught you in the last 10 years?
Steve: Publix has taught me that if you apply yourself and work hard, doors will open and opportunities will be there.
PN: What’s your favorite Publix memory?
Steve: Opening our first hybrid store, #1337, in Naples, Fla. It was a great honor to launch this new store format for our company. I remember our store and corporate support teams working together to make the grand opening a success. It felt like a big achievement.
PN: What does the Publix culture mean to you?
Steve: It means putting people first — do everything you can to help them and show them you care.
