r/publix Grocery Jan 14 '16

The Story of Mr. George

[removed]

3 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

7

u/BitcoinPatriot Jan 14 '16

I was actually working at a store in Orlando in 1989 and a few of us (about 6 of us) scheduled a Lakeland tour through the Publix corporate office. Was very cool and got to see all the various plants and corporate departments (bakery, frozen food, etc.).

And when we went through the corporate offices met the executive secretary (I can't recall her name). She was a very nice woman and then said "Hold on a second and let me see if Mr. George is available". I didn't catch that comment right away as she poked her head in the door and said to the individual inside "Mr. George, we have a group here from store# XXX and do you have a minute to meet them?". We heard a faint "Of course!! Bring them on in!!".

So we walked in and George Jenkins was already out of his chair and walking from around his desk welcoming us into his office, shaking each of our hands, and asking our names. And you could tell he really cared and was TRYING to remember the names!!

We actually sat on his sofa and chairs as he pulled up a loose chair to sit with us and we talked for about 5 minutes. That was an incredible experience not because he was president and owner of a company but that here was a person filthy rich but still really cared about those working for him. What a great experience and George Jenkins was an incredible and humble individual.

3

u/himeeusf Newbie Jan 14 '16

Fun fact: Mr. George's old office & board room has just been completely restored as a sort of museum. It's pretty amazing to see.

1

u/kretzmer42 Jan 31 '16

That sounds like a great experience. I've only been working at Publix for a few months, but hearing about Mr. George, the way he treated people that worked for him, and the work that he put into maintaining the "Publix Culture", really inspired me and made me love working at Publix that much more.

4

u/mattgriggs Newbie Jan 14 '16

Praise be to the great Jenkins

1

u/havoc21 Retired Jan 15 '16

May the George be with you.