Mr. George Gold Coin Award: Linda Hansen

Front service clerk Linda Hansen from Store #1400 in Spanish Fort, Alabama, is the latest Publix associate to be recognized with a Mr. George Gold Coin Award for going above and beyond. We pride ourselves in providing customers with premier service every day, and associates who exceed their job expectations can be honored with a Gold Coin.

Mr. George first introduced this program in 1955 when he presented associates with a 25^th anniversary coin. One of the biggest changes to the program was switching the coin from silver to gold to emphasize the importance and honor associates feel when presented with the award. Check out the history behind our Mr. George Gold Coin Award and take a look at some of the past Gold Coin Award stories. Not only do award recipients receive the Gold Coin, they also get a message from our CEO and a Publix gift card.

Linda has been employed with Publix off and on since 1998. Associates at Store #1400 shared that Linda is always going out of her way to greet customers and make them feel welcome. When she’s not at work, she enjoys reading, no matter the subject. She also enjoys spending time in her yard planting flowers, shrubs and trees.

“Receiving the Mr. George Gold Coin Award reinforces what Publix always strives for — going above and beyond our customers’ expectations. I’m humbled to work for a company that shares values along with work ethic,” Linda shared with us.

The Story

Store #1400 has a customer who’s been shopping there for many years named Ms. Megan. Recently, while Linda was at her register, she overheard Ms. Megan speaking with her customer service manager about going to the doctor. “Her concerns were about her ability to drive after her appointment for eye surgery.” Linda immediately offered to help because she knew that Ms. Megan didn’t have family in the area. “I told her to let me know when and where and told her that I’d see her then,” Linda enthusiastically shared. Ms. Megan’s surgery lasted nearly four hours, and Linda stayed in the waiting room the entire time. After the surgery, Linda took Megan to lunch and spent some time talking with her before taking her home. Megan was so happy that Linda was willing to support her and was almost in tears when she spoke with the manager, John, in the store.

When we asked John about the situation leading to Linda’s Mr. George Gold Coin Award, he said: “When I was informed of this situation, I was completely blown away at the level of dedication Linda showed toward her community and our Publix mission statement. She has always been a pleasure to work with, and this is what makes her such a great person and associate.”

Linda said Ms. Megan had a hard time accepting her help initially. “But two eye surgeries later, here we are—friends for life.” We couldn’t be prouder. How amazing is Linda?

Have you ever witnessed an associate going above and beyond at your local Publix? Share your story with us on Facebook or Twitter, via our Contact Us page or by phone at (800) 242-1227. To read the stories of other recipients of the Mr. George Gold Coin Award, check them out here.