April 10, 2023 — For most siblings, growing up means doing everything together — playing sports and going to school. But for identical twins Greg and Jon Serkin, they’ve extended that to include sharing the same career path at Publix. They’ve spent the last 30 years working hard to become district managers, promoted on the same day, Dec. 31, 2022.

Early days with Publix
In March 1993, Greg followed his father’s advice to get a job at Publix. He was hired as a bagger in Lake Worth, Florida. Not long after, in June of that year, Jon was hired at the same store.

“Our dad told us that for us to get our driver’s licenses, we had to pay for our car insurance,” Jon said.

“We didn’t think it would be a long-term career at the time,” added Greg. “I was just working to get a little pocket money for gas and to take my girlfriend out.”

Turning Publix into a career
But it didn’t take long for Greg to notice the benefits of turning his part-time job into a full-time career.

“Even at a young age, it clicked in my brain all Publix could offer me,” Greg said. “Seeing all these managers being able to buy cars and boats, as well as other opportunities, I wanted to see where this would go.”

The pair attended community college but ultimately pursued a full-time career with Publix.

“For us, it’s all we knew,” Greg said. “We did everything together. It was an advantage to have a partner-in-crime, someone to bounce ideas off along the way.”

But their unique story took an interesting turn in 2008.

Promotions to store manager
On June 28, 2008, the twins learned that they were both being promoted to store manager at the same time. Jon took over a store in Delray Beach, Florida, and Greg took over a new store in Boynton Beach, Florida.

“That promotion kept in tune with what our normal progression was, sticking together,” Greg said.

“He likes to brag that I finally caught up to him,” Jon quipped.

Jon credits Greg for motivating him to stay with the company.

“He led the way. He influenced me in the right direction to get serious about my career with Publix,” Jon said. “Watching him achieve so much made me want to be a better manager. Now that I’m up there, I’m running past him.”

“Good luck, Jon,” Greg joked back.

As newly minted store managers, they found other ways to learn from each other, as well as have some friendly competition.

“Throughout our career, it was an advantage to have someone you can share feedback with,” Jon added. “His perspective on things would open my eyes a little differently, and I’m sure I’ve had the same impact.”

“I’m going to do my best to keep up with and beat him, and he’s going to do the same,” Greg added.

But moving to store manager wasn’t the end of their journey.

Moving up to district manager
Late in 2022, they received word they would both be promoted to district manager. Greg oversees a district in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, while Jon manages a district in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. They look forward to what the future has in store for them at Publix.

“Until the day I retire, I’m just going to grow here,” Greg said. “Wherever they need me.”

The Serkins feel very fortunate to have been able to grow as much as they have and to be able to go through it together.

“I could’ve gone somewhere else to start my career and not had nearly the opportunities I’ve had here,” Jon said.

After their 30 years with Publix, Jon and Greg motivate and teach young people starting with the company the lessons they’ve learned along the way.