At the Publix in Trussville, Alabama, customers know cashier Jackson Glaze for the calm, steady presence he brings to the front end, and some wait in his line on purpose. The U.S. Army veteran credits the teamwork, responsibility and dedication he learned in the military with shaping how he serves customers today.
“Serving others at Publix reminds me of my time in the Army,” Glaze said. “Working together and taking pride in our work is what makes this job so meaningful to me.”
A career in logistics, from Missouri to Germany
Glaze began his Army career at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and went on to serve at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, along with two overseas tours in Germany. He specialized in logistics and transportation, retiring as a staff sergeant at Fort Bragg in 1995.
“I worked at every level and I was committed to my job, my service,” he said. “It was a great career. One thing about it, it can take you many places. It was a great career, but it’s next best to being at Publix.”
The military also paid for his education: two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree and an honorary doctorate.
“My mom wanted me to get a degree before she passed away, and she got to see that,” Glaze said. “She was an English teacher, and my daddy was a businessman. I wouldn’t be who I am without my parents.”
His father’s work meant he grew up around the grocery business, and, he said, “my dad was a lot like Mr. George,” referring to Publix founder George Jenkins.
Sixteen years after a 3-year plan
Glaze joined Publix in 2011 as a front service clerk, recruited, in effect, by his wife’s visits to the grocery store.
“My wife would come home with Publix bags for our family five out of seven days of the week, and I thought, ‘well, let me see what this Publix thing is all about,'” he said. “My plan was to be there for just three years. It’s been a blessing. I can’t think of any other company. Me being a veteran, I have some injuries; they work with me, supported me. I tell young kids, this is the best place to be to start a career.”
One moment captures how he works. Heading to lunch one afternoon, Glaze noticed a customer leaving the store stretched thin, juggling two restless toddlers and a cart full of groceries. Though she had initially declined help, he stepped in, walked with her to her car and loaded the groceries while she settled her children. The family still shops at his store, often stopping by just to say hello to “Mr. Jackson.”
The habits, he said, come straight from his days in the Army. “From the training in the military and the positions that I held, I brought it with me to Publix: team player, go-getter and never quit,” he said. “I use my leadership skills as a soldier. I used to take care of soldiers, and I take care of people here, the associates and my customers.”
“You have to have integrity and be friendly, be a helper,” he continued. “I work here, but [it’s] more than that. Our company is more than just our name; it really is where shopping and working are a pleasure. I’m always so excited to be at Publix – this is the highlight of my life.”
And after 15 years on the front end, Glaze’s friendly connections are growing ever wider: “Kids who used to be in the shopping cart, they work here now.”
Publix’s commitment to veterans
Publix said it encourages hiring veterans in its stores, warehouses and offices. “Your values inspire others while strengthening our company,” the company said, inviting veterans to apply through its careers site.
This Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, all veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a 10 percent discount on groceries at Publix.