Our mission at Publix is to be the premier quality food retailer in the world. As part of that mission, we pledge to be involved as responsible citizens in our communities. And if the number of submissions our Customer Care team receives for the Mr. George Gold Coin Award is any indication, we are. Customers and management inside our stores and corporate offices nominate associates for the monthly Mr. George Gold Coin Award, which is given to those who exceed their normal duties for our customers and fellow associates. Our latest Mr. George Gold Coin Award recipient — produce associate Norman Biggs — lives this truth every day.
On July 14, two local EMTs, Sarah and Olivia, were shopping at Store #518 in Homosassa, FL for some items for their boss’ surprise 50th birthday party the following morning. While they were doing their shopping, they ran into Norman in the produce department and asked if he could help them with balloons for their party.
Norman said it would be his pleasure to help and began blowing up the balloons for them while they finished shopping for the rest of the items on their list. Before Sarah and Olivia could finish their shopping, they received a call for work and had to abruptly end their shopping trip. Before leaving, they let Norman know that they would be back later. Later that evening, Norman realized that Sarah and Olivia were not going to make it back before the store closed. He remembered how excited the two were when explaining their surprise party and made it a point to go above and beyond his normal duties and help them. Norman purchased the items they left behind and took them to the fire station that Sarah and Olivia worked at on his way home from work. The firemen on duty had the dispatcher contact the EMT crew and let them know their party supplies were there waiting for them to pick up.
Sarah and Olivia were amazed by Norman’s generosity and sent two letters, a personal one for Norman and one for Store Manager Kevin to acknowledge his kind act. When asked about Norman, Kevin said: “Norman’s actions do not surprise me. He is a great guy who loves people. He talks to every customer like he has known them for 20 years, even if he’s just met them. He’s a great asset to our store and to Publix. Mr. George would be very proud to have an associate like Norman at Publix.”
Have you ever witnessed an associate truly going above and beyond at your local Publix? Share your story with us on Facebook or Twitter, via our Contact Us page or give our customer care team a call at (800) 242-1227.
I have the honor of owning a Mr. George Gold Coin and I am so proud of it ! If it wasn’t for my assistant store manager taking notice of the interaction and commitment I made to one of our customers, it would not have happened. Thank you , Jonathan! My work environment allows me to be the caring person I am and for this I am thankful. “The Publix Culture” lives on and as a cashier I get to hear repeatedly: That’s why I love Publix!
We’re happy to have you as a part of the family! Thank you for all you do, Linda!