Is Publix Really all That Good?

I subscribe to a daily newsletter where there has been a lot of discussion about Publix and if they are really as good as their reputation.

Yes, they are. In many different ways. In my former life as a Produce VP competing with Publix I learned to respect them not only for their consistent high level of execution, but for the culture they have created in what must be a pretty good place to work.

I can recall a certain individual that worked as a clerk in one of our produce departments. In my book his work ethic was not worth the paper his weekly check was printed on. He was slow, sloppy, and completely without an ounce of initiative. When I heard that he had quit and went to work for Publix, I think I laughed out loud.

Not too much later, I ran into this individual while making a competition check at Publix. He seemed like his old self, I did not see him lasting too long.

Well, about two months later I was checking out a Publix grand opening and there he was, in a crisp white shirt, walking around talking to customers, directing clerks, working with a sense of urgency, and taking initiative. He came up to me and told me how he was working to become a produce manager and that he was in line to do so in a short period of time. He was truly excited about working at Publix; excited about his future.

Now I don't know if this says more about the poor culture at my former company, or a great culture at Publix, but changes like this just don't come out of nowhere.

I for one admire what Publix does. They know who they are in the marketplace and they create a culture where their employees truly like working there. At least that is the way it looks from the outside looking in.