Dec. 5, 2024 — Publix Super Markets celebrated the 2024 Charlotte Division George W. Jenkins Award recipient, Store Manager Dan Ratchup, Cookeville, Tennessee, at the company’s annual retail operations conference in Orlando, Florida.
Dan is passionate about connecting with his team and developing the company’s future leaders. He spends time mentoring his associates and peers, with a focus on fostering the Publix culture in his store and beyond.
“I’ve learned over the years that as you grow and become a leader, it’s less about you and more about guiding others to help them meet their goals,” said Dan. “I enjoy challenging my team and being a part of their journey.”
Dan was speechless when he learned that he had been named a 2024 George W. Jenkins Award recipient. He’s looking forward to continuing to teach new associates about the Publix culture and how to create memorable moments for customers.
“Publix is a great place to work because it’s a company that cares deeply for me as an individual,” said Dan. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to return the support this incredible company has given me.”
About the honoree
Dan started his career in 1988 as a rail dock worker in our Miami warehouse before moving to retail as a stock person in the grocery department. He worked his way up through the grocery department before becoming an assistant store manager. In 2010, he was promoted to store manager in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Today, he is a store manager in Cookeville, Tennessee.
About the George W. Jenkins Award
Named after Publix’s founder, the George W. Jenkins Award is one of the company’s most prestigious awards. It is presented to one store manager from each of the company’s five divisions and one support area manager who exemplify leadership, perpetuate the Publix culture and demonstrate their commitment to his ideals. As part of the award, each recipient is presented with a special green Publix jacket, marking them as members of this deserving group of honorees.
Dan joins Atlanta Division District Manager Kayla Dean, Jacksonville Division Store Manager Jason Parrish, Lakeland Division Store Manager Steve Ellis, Miami Division Store Manager James Gooze, and Director of Emerging Business & Private Brands Karen Hall as this year’s George W. Jenkins Award recipients.