Irvin Morales: Business administration major seeks ‘American Dream’

Erica Martin

As a recent American citizen, Irvin Morales bleeds red, white and blue. As a Publix employee, he also bleeds green.

Morales’ path to the “American dream” began 15 years ago, when his mother immigrated to the United States empty-handed from El Salvador.

Morales followed in 2008, speaking broken English, and soon began working at Publix as a front service clerk, more commonly known as a bag boy.

“I enjoyed talking to the customers while taking their groceries to their car. I enjoyed providing the Publix premier service and learned new words with customers to improve my English skills,” he said. “I was not afraid to start at the bottom because I was determined to move up in the company.”

 

With that determination, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, he has continued to improve his language skills and climbed through the ranks of the company as a cashier and a customer service representative. He now serves as a customer service team leader at the Publix on the west end of Panama City Beach.

In hopes of becoming a store manager, he now is in his final semester before earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at FSU Panama City. He earned his associate’s degree from Gulf Coast State College and transferred through the Connect! program.

“I have always had a passion for business because it is the main driver of prosperity for individuals, companies and nations,” said Morales, who became a U.S. citizen on Sept. 5.

In his current position at Publix, Morales oversees the front end of the store, ensuring customers receive quality service. He performs administrative duties and jumps in as a cashier and bags groceries when needed to improve the shopping experience.

“It is part of the Publix culture to perform activities outside of our job description because we are committed to Publix’s success,” he said.

Morales also is working to help the company improve financially through an independent study with Business Professor Gary Bliss, D.B.A. By analyzing financial data from the store, he aims to identify opportunities and challenges in the store, enhance the business model and boost revenue.

“Typically, a company can add value financially through increased cash flow, better sales or decreasing expenses,” Bliss said. “It also can enhance efficiency with good operational procedures and quality employees.”

Morales said the idea of “adding value to the firm” is one that has translated from the classroom to his job and day-to-day life.

“Our main purpose in life is to add and maximize value in our everyday activities,” he said. “We add value to our companies by maximizing profits, which results in higher wages for associates and higher returns for shareholders. We add value to our family and friends by making them happy. We add value to our community by being responsible citizens.”

Store manager Gayne Kowalik said Morales has been a true asset to Publix, constantly trying to better himself and volunteering to cross-train to serve shoppers.

“Irvin is conscientious, detail-oriented and absolutely fantastic with customers,” she said. “He has the tools and the motivation to move beyond store level into any career path he chooses with Publix.”

Bliss said Morales’ experiences in El Salvador are an added benefit to his company.

“Coming from a different culture and adapting to the culture here, he brings to Publix a lot of interpersonal skills that will make the shoppers feel welcome,” he said.

Bliss noted three characteristics that stand out in Morales: his determination, his work ethic and his never-fading smile.

“I love my mom, my job, my friends, my professors, my managers — I really cannot ask for more,” Morales said. “I am very lucky to live in the greatest place on Earth.”

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