Happy Birthday Publix you are almost 100! We are often excited by the new things in life. But perhaps we're better off to consider the things that have endured well past any reasonable expectation. Last year, in September, Publix Supermarkets celebrated their 90th anniversary. In just 10 years, Publix will be one of the few companies to celebrate 100 years in business. The first Publix store did just $120,000 in sales in 1930.
Today, the company does over $40 billion in sales and has over 1,250 stores. I remember as a kid meeting George Jenkins, Publix's founder, at a store grand opening and was so impressed by his energy and accomplishments. Every new store was a moment to celebrate for the founder. Are you building a company that will last for 100 years? If so, there are many valuable lessons to learn from studying Publix. I recommend finding a copy of the book that was published to celebrate Publixes 75th anniversary which lays out the history of the company and studying it. It'll make you a better businessperson.