Publix Patriots: Master Sergeant, Combat Engineer Supervisor to Senior Manager of Supply Chain Replenishment

ByAllison L.

March 8, 2021

Publix with American flag

Welcome back to our Publix Patriots blog series! Each month we highlight one of our veteran associates and the skills they gained during their time in the military that helped them find a career with Publix. We feel honored to have so many veterans working with us. Learn more about a U.S. Army Reserve veteran and his career path with Publix.

Meet David, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Replenishment.

David has worked with Publix for 34 years. He needed a job in high school and had many friends and family who worked at Publix. He thought it would be a great place to get a job and was thrilled to be hired as a part-time bagger in Lakeland, Florida. Today, David is a senior manager for supply chain replenishment! During his career with Publix, he was in the U.S. Army Reserve for 23 years. In 2013, he retired as a master sergeant, combat engineer supervisor.

David, Senior Manager of Supply Chain Replenishment headshot

“Publix has been extremely accommodating over the years. In a nine-year period, I left three separate times for one-year deployments. My job was protected, and I was always welcomed back,” David said. “Many of my fellow soldiers were envious of my employment at Publix.”

How David’s military background helped him at Publix.

David learned many skills in the military that continue to help him in his career with Publix — teamwork, agility, work ethic and resourcefulness are just a few that he uses every day.

“The U.S. military is the most diverse organization in the world. Working under austere conditions and being surrounded by that kind of diversity teaches you how to adapt and overcome in any situation,” David said. “Whether it’s routine training or combat, past military experiences help you keep perspective when the work here gets challenging.

If you’re a veteran looking for a career with Publix, David has advice for you.

“When applying for a job with Publix, highlight the skills you bring from your military experience and explain how they will benefit the company. Not all your experience will translate directly, but most of it will make you a more desirable candidate.”

David in military uniform in front of a tank

There are many career opportunities at Publix for veterans. Be sure to check our current openings in corporatedistribution and manufacturing or apply for a retail position. Follow our Publix Patriots LinkedIn for more veteran stories and connect with us on FacebookInstagramTwitter and LinkedIn!

Related articles.

Warehouse Selector

Job Spotlight: Warehouse Selector

More than 7,000 distribution associates are responsible for getting products shipped from our warehouses to more than 1,200 stores. Our …
Publix truck

Job Spotlight: Truck Drivers

This month we are taking you on a ride with our truck drivers. Without them it would be impossible to …
Senior Manager of Diversity and Human Resources Analysis

Job Spotlight: Senior Manager of Diversity and Human Resources Analysis

At Publix, we strive to create a workforce as diverse as the customers we serve. Welcome back to our job …
Our greatest benefit. We own it.

Your Guide to Earning Publix Stock

We are proud to employ veterans and value the skills they’ve learned in the military.
More:
  • Careers
  • Publix Culture
  • Publix Patriots