From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George Washington Jenkins (September 29, 1907 – April 8, 1996) was an American businessman and founder of Publix Super Markets. In 1930, despite the Great Depression, Jenkins risked his career and everything he had to start a new grocery store. He named the chain Publix.

Jenkins was affectionately called "Mr. George" by his associates, who all had a good relationship with him. He returned their goodwill and hard work by giving them stock in the company.

After changing Publix from an ordinary market to a supermarket and moving the company's headquarters to Lakeland, Florida, the business grew. In the 1950s, bakeries were added to the stores. In the 1980s, Publix added pharmacies. In the 1990s, the chain started to expand for the first time outside of Florida, starting in Georgia.

Mr. Jenkins suffered a stroke on August 8, 1989, but continued to work and visit his supermarkets. In 1993, a new high school, George W. Jenkins High School, in Lakeland was named after him. Jenkins died in 1996 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, leaving his wealth to charity, and his family, which continues to run the company.

Publix Super Markets now operates in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. It is now one of the largest privately owned companies in the country.

Mr. Jenkins was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 2009.

References