George Washington Jenkins was born on September 29, 1907 in Georgia. He attended Georgia Tech and began his career in the retail industry at a young age. After just eight weeks of working at a Piggly Wiggly supermarket, Jenkins was promoted to manager, showcasing his strong work ethic and dedication to the job.
In 1930, Jenkins founded Publix Super Markets, Inc., a supermarket chain that would eventually become employee-owned. He believed in the power of hard work and treating employees well, which led to the success of his company. Publix Super Markets, Inc. was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine in 2011, a testament to Jenkins' commitment to his employees.
In 2011, Jenkins was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the business world. His legacy lives on through Publix Super Markets, Inc., which continues to thrive as a successful supermarket chain.
Jenkins was married to nurse Anne MacGregor, with whom he had seven children. Their marriage lasted from 1947 to 1974, and they raised a large family together. Jenkins' dedication to his family mirrored his dedication to his business, showing his commitment to those he cared about.
George W. Jenkins was not only a successful businessman, but also a visionary entrepreneur. He recognized the importance of treating employees well and giving back to the community, values that are reflected in the culture of Publix Super Markets, Inc. His company's success has solidified his place as one of the great entrepreneurs of his time.
Through his work with Publix Super Markets, Inc., George W. Jenkins revolutionized the retail industry. His employee-owned business model set a new standard for treating workers fairly and creating a positive workplace environment. Jenkins' commitment to his employees and customers has left a lasting impact on the retail industry as a whole.