Brothers Share Love for Sports and Customer Service

By Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida 

Luis and Diego Martinez-Brown have a lot in common. They’re brothers, they’re Special Olympics Florida athletes, and they’re Publix associates excited by the 2024 Torch Icon Campaign (now through January 21). 

The Nassau County brothers work at the same Publix in Fernandina Beach and will be working several days during this year’s campaign. 

They say the best part about working at Publix is talking to customers. They like meeting new people, seeing friends from the area, and hanging out with co-workers. Luis values the community they’ve created at Publix and the company’s commitment to providing opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities. 

He said Publix offers him and his brother great benefits, a flexible schedule, and a place to fit in. 

“Having a job is like the best thing,” he said. 

Diego agreed, saying, “I love working with my brother!”  

Diego, a Publix associate for three-and-a-half years, has worked as a cashier, bagger, cart collector, cross trainer, customer service representative, and delivery filler. Luis has worked for about a year, stocking shelves, unloading trucks, serving customers, fulfilling delivery orders and bagging groceries.

Diego and Luis have been part of Special Olympics for twelve years. They began competing in North Carolina, where they grew up, and have continued since moving to Florida five years ago. Over the years, they’ve participated in surfing, bowling, basketball, powerlifting, track and field, soccer, flag football, and softball. In 2022, Luis won a silver medal in surfing at the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.

The brothers hope you’ll swing by your local Publix and take part in the Torch Icon Campaign.

“Thank you, Publix!” they said. “Thank you for being a great supporter for Special Olympics Florida!”