Publix Founding Philosophy

In 1930 a young man named George W. Jenkins was managing a Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Winter Haven, Fla. Hard times had brought a drop in the store's sales volume and a cut in pay, but his determination to succeed remained. When he learned that the owner had sold his store to an Atlanta businessman, George looked forward to a visit from the new owner, feeling confident he would be impressed by how his store was being managed. Weeks passed, the man didn't come, so George decided to drive to Atlanta to meet his new boss. Eager and self-assured, he arrived at the owner's office and identified himself. The owner sent word out that he was tied up in an important business conference.

"Well," as Mr. Jenkins often recalled, "I could hear what the conference was all about. He was saying that if he hadn't taken a six on the dogleg eighth hole, he'd have broken 90 in his last golf game." This indifferent treatment sent George home determined to start his own grocery store — and vowing never to treat his employees or customers the way the absentee owner had treated him.

George Jenkins opened the first Publix in 1930 and a second store in 1935. In 1940 he closed the two original markets to open his state-of-the-art dream store with air conditioning, electric-eye doors, wide aisles, terrazzo floors, a modern design and the latest in equipment, much of which he himself designed. Located in Winter Haven, it was referred to as "George's marble, glass and stucco food palace." Since that grand opening in 1940, Publix remained on the cutting edge of innovation in U.S. food retailing and continues to be recognized for its commitment to customer service.

In addition to its reputation for outstanding customer service, what continues to set Publix apart is its family-like atmosphere. Publix believes associates should be treated with dignity and respect, encouraged to express ideas, voice concerns and be given the opportunity and training to climb the organizational ladder as far as their hard work will take them. Mr. Jenkins' philosophy was that if a company creates the proper environment, attracts the best people and instills the desire to serve, it will prosper in good times and bad.

Publix's prosperity can be attributed not only to the caliber of its associates but also to Mr. Jenkins' commitment to their long-term well-being. The stock ownership and retirement plans he instituted are important incentives and benefits that have helped make publix the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the united states. A noteworthy example of associates' satisfaction: their responses to surveys that have been instrumental in keeping Publix on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list every year since it was first published in 1998.