Mr. George was a dedicated golf enthusiast who played for leisure and as a way to enjoy the outdoors. His love of the game dates almost to the beginning of Publix.

Around the same time Mr. George opened his first store in Winter Haven, Florida, a golf course was built nearby. Players cooked meals in a bungalow standing on the grounds, and on a Saturday in 1934, three men came by Mr. George’s store to buy hamburger meat for such a meal. They invited him to join their game and, at first, Mr. George declined their offer because he had to work. But the men persisted. Finally, Mr. George agreed, and he joined the men to play golf.

When he could, Mr. George would play a round, then go back to the store to work late into the night, rearranging product and building displays. Soon, Publix associates began a tradition of playing together on Wednesday afternoons when, in those times, stores were closed.

Mr. George understood everyone needed to take time to relax. To provide an opportunity for some associates to also share in his love of the game, Mr. George had two golf courses constructed in Lakeland, Florida. The first was built in 1957 on land adjacent to the first company headquarters, a par-three golf course that was free for all Publix associates. The second course was the Lone Palm Golf Club, a private golf course that opened in 1965.

While he enjoyed the game, he also realized the importance of balancing a strong work ethic with leisure activities, which Publix continues to support today.

The legacy of Mr. George’s Lessons: Invest in Others

In celebration of our 90th anniversary, we are sharing Mr. George’s lessons throughout the year.

Mr. George believed success depended on the ability of individuals to work together toward a common goal. What makes Publix unique is that the individuals working together are company owners. In the beginning, Mr. George wanted his associates to have a stake in the business. But on the heels of the Great Depression, he knew how hard it would be for them to invest in the company. So, he gave his associates a $2 a week raise, then held the money to pay for their stock. In 50 weeks, the cost of their share was paid in full and everyone in the store was a stockholder.

Mr. George understood that by investing in his associates, they would be happier and more successful in their Publix careers. This philosophy was ingrained in the Publix culture then and will continue to be for at least the next 90 years.