Retail Pathway Graduate Brings Exceptional Service and Friendly Smiles to Job at Grocery Store

When Brandon Gellatly graduated from Pike County High School in Zebulon, Georgia, he wanted to pursue a career path that would allow him to work with people. Because of the encouragement he received from his family and from his teachers in high school, Brandon applied---and was accepted into---the CVS/Retail Pathway offered at Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS). 

“I knew I wanted a job working with people, so my teachers and counselors suggested that I enroll in the retail pathway at RWS,” stated Brandon. “I graduated from high school in 2024, and I finished the program at Roosevelt Warm Springs in 2025. I’m currently a bagger at the Ingles grocery store in Woodbury, Georgia.”

Initially, Brandon began working in the delicatessen at Ingles. His daily tasks included slicing cold cuts, making salads, and keeping the hot-line and cold-line freshly stocked with food. After working in the deli, he wanted a different set of tasks at the store. Consequently, he transferred to a bagger position. 

Brandon Earns Industry-Recognized Certifications at RWS

“I truly enjoyed teaching Brandon in my National Retail Federation (NRF) Retail Fundamentals class,” exclaimed Denise Newman, a vocational instructor at RWS. “He worked hard throughout the course and successfully passed his certification exam. Brandon was always willing to participate in activities and put forth his best effort. He brought a positive attitude and a great sense of humor to my class, which made him a pleasure to teach,” she continued.  

While at RWS, Brandon received training on how to use a cash register. He completed the NRF retail fundamentals certification course and the NRF customer service course and was certified in both courses.  

As a part-time employee at Ingles, Brandon isn’t just bagging groceries---he’s crafting an experience. He greets each customer with a smile and asks how their day is going. He bags their groceries, places the bagged items into the cart, and offers to walk with the customer to his or her vehicle. 

Providing Excellent Customer Service Is Brandon’s Top Priority 

Once he has walked with a customer to his or her vehicle, Brandon places the groceries in the customer’s car. “I want everyone who comes through the checkout lane to receive great customer service,” Brandon said. 

Because he thrives on routine, Brandon brings a meticulous attention to detail to his job. Inspired by a desire to connect with people, he views his position as an opportunity to make someone’s day better. 

“I have shopped at Ingles several times and I have had the pleasure of talking with Brandon while he bags my groceries,” Newman commented. “Each time I see Brandon at Ingles, he is friendly and welcoming. He has given me a tour of the store, introduced me to his coworkers, bagged my groceries, and taken groceries to my car.” 

Brandon Says the CVS/Retail Pathway Offers a Firm Foundation 

Brandon highly recommends GVRA services and the CVS/Retail Pathway. “I enjoyed participating in the retail pathway at RWS,” he mused. “I liked interacting with the instructors, counselors, and students. I liked living on campus. I especially enjoyed learning how to operate the cash register. At Ingles, I might become a cashier.”

When asked about his career goals, Brandon indicated his future is most likely in retail sales. “I’ve gotten a good foundation at Roosevelt Warm Springs and at Ingles, but I hope to one day own a company,” he said. “Someday I would like to open my own store. I’m hoping it will be sort of like Game Stop, which means I would be selling video games and accessories.”

Since his position at Ingles is part-time, Brandon has acquired another part-time job as a plumber’s assistant. “Currently, I’m working between 25 and 30 hours at Ingles. I like to stay busy, so I’m also working part-time for a plumber who operates his own business. I am learning the basics of plumbing,” explained Brandon. 

“It’s wonderful to see how well Brandon is doing in his role at Ingles,” Newman shared. “I have enjoyed observing the care and pride he takes in his work. Being employed at Ingles has given him purpose, confidence, and a sense of belonging. I am certain Brandon has a bright future ahead of him.” 

Editor’s Note: This fall semester (2026), the Retail/Customer Service Pathway at Roosevelt Warm Springs will transfer to GVRA’s residential campus at Cave Spring, Georgia. For more information about the retail pathway, please contact Cave Spring Center Manager Greg Teems at [email protected].  

Related to: 

• Success Story