LAKELAND, Fla. — After 44 years of dedicated service, Publix Super Markets’ Real Estate Vice President John Frazier announced his decision to retire Dec. 31, 2010.
Frazier began his Publix career in 1966 as a front- service clerk in Ft. Pierce, Fla. In 1978, he was promoted to store manager, where he spent the next 12 years. Then, in 1990, he transferred into Publix’s real estate department as the manager responsible for growth from Lakeland to South Florida. In 1991, Frazier was charged with Publix’s expansion across state lines, as real estate manager for the Atlanta Division. He was promoted to director of real estate in 1995 and to Vice President of Real Estate in 1997.
Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw said, “John has made significant contributions to Publix, particularly in our expansion into new market areas and our overall company growth. Throughout his career, he has given unselfishly of himself and trained, mentored and developed future leaders. We wish him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his life.”
John and his wife, Eileen, will remain Lakeland residents and enjoy traveling and a recreational lifestyle, including tennis and golf.
With this retirement, Jeff Chamberlain will be named Vice President of Real Estate.
Chamberlain began his Publix career in 1972 as a front -service clerk in Satellite Beach, Fla. After working in different capacities at several stores in Brevard County, he was promoted to store manager in 1983. In 1991, Chamberlain transferred into the real estate department as manager over North Florida and South Georgia. And in 1999, he was promoted to director of real estate market strategy.
“During the 19 years that Jeff and I have worked together, we have seen our store count grow from 389 to 1,029,” said John Frazier, Vice President of Real Estate. “I am confident in his abilities to continue our growth and execute our market strategies. Jeff is a natural leader, and I am proud of his accomplishments thus far.”
Chamberlain, a current Leadership Lakeland class member, chair-elect for Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC) and Publix representative on the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Board, is a Lakeland resident and is married to his wife, Jill. They have two sons, Brett and Ryan.
Publix is privately owned and operated by its 143,500 employees, with 2009 sales of $24.3 billion. Currently Publix has 1,030 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 13 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.
Source: Publix Super Markets
